Camp Carefree Expands its Footprint!

The Board of Directors recently purchased an adjacent tract of land, expanding Camp Carefree's footprint.  Learn more in this Q&A, printed in the June 2 issue of Northwest Observer, "Your Questions". 

Q: I heard that Camp Carefree is being sold. Is this true?

A: No, that rumor isn't true. Camp Carefree, which is located just off U.S. 220 in Stokesdale, kicks off its 2017 summer session on June 18 with a full slate of campers and volunteers.

In 1986, the late Anne and Gib Jones used a portion of their farm to establish Camp Carefree, a haven for children with illnesses and disabilities such as cancer, epilepsy and spina bifida. Additional sessions are geared towards well children who have chronically ill or disabled siblings or parents.

After Gib's death in 1992, Anne continued the legacy the couple had started. To ensure the camp would endure, she deeded approximately 65 acres to the non-profit organization - one parcel in 2011 and a second in 2013.

"Anne wanted to make sure the camp would always be here," said Rhonda Rodenbough, treasurer of the board of directors. 

Anne died on Aug. 12 of last year, leaving the remainder of her farm - about 192 acres which borders the camp - in a trust. Because both the listed property and the camp share a Carefree Lane address, some people have mistakenly thought the camp is being sold. 

The listed property, which has road frontage on U.S. 220, is being marketed by Phillip Stone of A New Dawn Realty. Although currently zoned AG (agriculture), the property has commercial potential and is listed for $1.9 million. Profits from the sale will be divided among Anne's four heirs. 

To provide a buffer from any potential development on the adjacent property and to ensure access to its pond, the camp recently purchased an additional 15 acres of property from the trust. The purchase was made possible by the community and other camp supporters who donated $45,000 and an anonymous matching donor. 

Camp Carefree, which operates under a board of directors, expects good things in the future. "Our board is committed to keeping the camp going and growing," said Board Chairman Lynn Tuttle.