EASTOVER, S.C. — A new state-of-the-art facility for people facing serious illness and other physical and mental health challenges will break ground in Eastover this April.
It's called Camp Cole and after millions of dollars in donations organizers say it will soon be built at Fawcett Farms.
"This has been a dream for many, many years to provide a safe environment and a safe place for so many deserving children, teens and adults throughout our entire state," Camp Co-founder Kelsey Carter said. "How can we prioritize the needs of so many diverse, medically fragile groups? The way Camp Cole is going to do that is we will be able to provide a state-of-the-art medical care facility on site."
In addition to the new medical care facility, Carter says Camp Cole will include cabins, a gymnasium, cafe' and conference rooms to serve people with varying abilities.
The inspiration comes from her brother Cole Sawyer who died of cancer in 2004.
"He was an 11-year-old boy who just loved life. He was a huge Gamecock fan. He liked skateboarding, surfing and when he was diagnosed with cancer that shifted for us," Carter said.
She's hoping Camp Cole will make a difference in the lives of families going through similar challenges.
"When you come out here, you can participate in swimming, you can participate in canoeing, fishing, the ropes course. All of these incredible outdoor engagements, as well as inside too," Carter said. "Really just feel, in a way, back to normal and just enjoy the joys of camp."
Camp Cole is expected to be completed by summer of 2021. Upon completion, it will be available for use by organizations in need of a space for activities that support the needs of those with special circumstances.
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