From a distance, the picturesque, pastoral setting almost seemed to portray a normal day at summer camp.

Children walked from the morning chapel service toward a calm lake, where canoes and kayaks awaited. In the distance, others moved quickly to arts and crafts activities.

However, the day was anything but routine for the 238 boys and girls who attended Camp Corral, held at the historic YMCA Camp Hanes in King, North Carolina.

One important factor set this summer camp apart: every participant came from a family that had a parent wounded or killed in battle.

Several of the attendees were able to participate due to generous scholarship funding from the Rye Foundation. Two of Rye’s priorities are offering support to children of prisoners and children from military homes.

“This is a very special week,” said camp director Val Elliott, “and we are thankful for the Rye Foundation and its financial commitment to these children.”

During a recent site tour, leaders of the Foundation visited with children and staff members, attended the chapel service, and enjoyed lunch in the dining hall.

A daily highlight is seeing the boys and girls gather at the flagpole and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The informative site tour was part of an ongoing strategic plan to observe quality programming that is “making a difference” in the lives of North Carolina children. Other tours have been to Camp Vandemere near New Bern, Kamp Kiwanis in Lexington, Cale Camp in Hertford, the Mount Sinai – McCreary Community Center in Catawba, and the beloved Presbyterian Orphanage in Black Mountain.

Magazine Coverage Recognizes Foundation’s Impact

We have received numerous positive comments about the March issue of Forsyth Family magazine, which contains an in-depth feature article on the philanthropy of the Rye Foundation. It is titled, “Making a Difference in the Lives of Children.” Three of the first to offer their congratulations on the coverage were a Presbyterian minister, the former district governor of Rotary International, and the president of the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce.

Camp for Military Families

One of our recent charitable gifts went to Camp Hanes in Stokes County. Each summer, the camp hosts a specialized week, and every child who attends has had a parent wounded or killed on the battlefield. Last year, a total of 265 children participated. Plans are being finalized for a site tour this summer.

Memories of Billy Graham

When the Rye Foundation was established, our very first gift was $25,000 to the Billy Graham Training Center for its youth camp. Soon thereafter, Warren Steen had the privilege of introducing Mr. Graham to each member of our Board of Directors, and he thanked each one personally. A photo of that event hangs in the foundation office, and reminds us all of his lifetime of Christian service.

A Closing Question

Author Bob Buford was right. He wrote that many of us spend years and years in a search to be successful. Then, we evaluate our priorities and seek to become significant. What kind of legacy do you plan to leave ?