Circle of Friends’ Traumatic Brain Injuries Camp Held at Camp Shiloh

Forty volunteers from Pilot Clubs of Texas provided 30 men and women with brain injuries a weekend that they will long remember on November 2-4. For the third consecutive year, Camp Shiloh hosted the Circle of Friends camp for traumatic brain injuries on the shores of Lake Bob Sandlin.

Men and women came from throughout Texas to care for and have fun with other adults who have suffered severe brain injuries. They enjoyed a pontoon boat ride on Lake Bob Sandlin, dances on Friday and Saturday nights, and lots of time to socialize on the camp’s lakeside campus.

When asked to describe the weekend, Jenny Carter, mother of Sean – a survivor camper – said: “ The only way I can describe it is that it is a cocoon of love and acceptance. No matter what the level of ability of the brain injured camper, they are helped, assisted, encouraged and loved, so that they can have the maximum experience. No one is forgotten or neglected. And the smile on the faces of everyone, camper, volunteer, care-givers and family members is wonderful to share.”

The Texas District of Pilot International is the second largest of 20 districts in Pilot International with 50 clubs and approximately 1500 members. Pilot International chose “Brain Disorders” as the main focus of the organization and the Texas District chose “Traumatic Brain Injury and TBI Camps” as their Signature Project.

Pilots support 3 weekend camps and 1 one-day camp for adult traumatic brain injury survivors.

The survivor/campers gather at the Circle of Friends Camp for Traumatic Brain Injuries at Camp Shiloh. Mrs. Judy Breaud, the International President of Pilot International, seated in the front row second from the left, joined the campers for Saturday’s activities.

Jenny Carter looks over the shoulder of her son, Sean, as he “talks” through his digital keyboard. Sean suffered multiple fractures, internal injuries, but worst of all a traumatic brain injury while riding as a passenger in a truck accident in March, 2005.

More information about the Pilot International’s commitment to brain injured men and women can be obtained from their website: www.pitexasdistrict.org. More information about Sean Carter can be obtained from the website: www.caringbridge.org/tx/seancarter.