Below you will find a wealth of stories from campers, families, and peer models. These stories relate the impact that Camp Encourage has on so many lives.
Easton's Story
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Tyler Wirken
Created by the talented Tyler Wirken of Wirken Photo and Wirken Media in 2021.
To Belong
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Tyler Wirken
Created by the talented Tyler Wirken of Wirken Photo and Wirken Media in 2021.
Connection...
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Tyler Wirken
Created by the talented Tyler Wirken of Wirken Photo and Wirken Media in 2020.
All About Ava
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Tyler Wirken
Created by the talented Tyler Wirken of Wirken Photo and Films in the summer of 2019.
This is Me
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Tyler Wirken
Created by the talented Tyler Wirken of Wirken Photo and Films in the summer of 2019.
Woodie
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Tyler Wirken
Created by the talented Tyler Wirken during a Wirkshop Series in the summer of 2018.
A Camp Family
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Brandon Parigo
Created by the talented Brandon Parigo during a Wirkshop Series in the summer of 2018.
Alex
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Heidi Sandoval
Created by the talented Heidi Sandoval during a Wirkshop Series in the summer of 2018.
Peer Proud
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Lauren Kamenitz
Created by the talented Lauren Kamenitz during a Wirkshop Series in the summer of 2017.
Kris and Chris
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Ben Kollerz
Created by the talented Ben Koller during a Wirkshop Series in the summer of 2017.
EB
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Matt Badenoch
Created by the talented Matt Badenoch during a Wirkshop Series in the summer of 2017.
Fight Song
A Camp Encourage Media Piece by Kelly Virden Koller
Created by the talented Kelly Virden Koller during a Wirkshop Series in the summer of 2017.
Encouraging Reagan
A Camp Encourage documentary by Wirken Films
This is a magnificent tale of a boy in the greater Kansas City area with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), his loving family, and a good-hearted, grassroots nonprofit that provides an overnight camp opportunity for youth with ASD.
For details about the filmmaker, Brandon Parigo, or about the wonderful talents at Wirken Films, visit wirkenphoto.com.
The Circle
A Camp Encourage documentary by Untold Documentary Storytellers
“The Circle” is a beautiful short film created by Brandon Parigo of Untold Documentary Storytellers that tells a touching story of a local high school student involved in Camp Encourage, a camp for youth with autism spectrum disorder in the greater Kansas City area. The young man shares his journey getting to know individuals with autism through his experiences as a Peer Model Camper at this quality overnight specialty camp.
The film made its debut on October 25th, 2014 at the World War I Museum during the Third Annual Camp Encourage Movie Benefit. Guests that evening enjoyed an eventful night as we celebrated another amazing year at camp, bid on lovely auction items, and debuted a this touching documentary about a goodhearted camper as he strives to carry out the mission of Camp Encourage year-round.
Through Their Eyes
The campers of Camp Encourage had hold of the cameras during the summer of 2015—capturing themselves following lottery acceptance, while packing, and during the week of camp. Enjoy this three-part series of clips, provided by Burlap, Inc. and shown the evening of S'Mores and Pours 2015.