Blog

Pudding, our feral Rock Dove (pigeon), has become a familiar face in Camp Joy's Nature Center. Curious, social, and always eager to interact with guests, it's hard to imagine that his story began with a serious injury that threatened his survival. Found shortly after hatching, Pudding's journey from an injured young bird to a beloved animal ambassador is a testament to his resilience. How Pudding’s story started At just two and a half weeks old, Pudding was found trapped between two barn doors after falling from his nest at a horse rescue. Fortunately, Anne, who volunteers at the horse rescue [...]

There's a moment at the top of the pamper pole when the world goes quiet. The trees, the sky, the voices below, all of it softens. And you're left with one question: Am I doing this? Judy answered that question on her 68th birthday with a resounding, joyful yes. The leap that started long before the climb Judy is the mother of Elyse Lohrbach, our Executive Director. But to understand what happened on that pole, you have to rewind about two years, to a woman navigating real pain, real limits, and a crossroads many of us will one day face. [...]

In her first month as Executive Director, Elyse has spent her time listening deeply to the stories, dreams, and history that make Camp Joy so impactful. From meeting campers and staff to reconnecting with alumni and board members, she’s discovered what many already know: Camp Joy is more than a camp—it’s a spirit that changes lives. a a a a a a a a a a a a a A 30-Day Reflection In my first month at Camp Joy, I've done a lot of listening to participants, staff, alumni, board members, external partners, and an [...]