A Message From Our Founder

Dear Friends,

Over the past 12 months Camp Soaring Eagle has made a significant difference in the lives of many children suffering with serious illnesses and their families. On behalf of the entire Camp Soaring Eagle team and Board of Directors we would like to thank all of the donors and supporters who helped us make this possible. These children were able to explore all types of new activities and laugh, play and just be kids in a supportive, loving and safe environment. We are excited about expanding our reach and delivering our mission to many more children. In November, Camp Soaring Eagle will be hosting its first Family Retreat Weekend for Families who have been impacted by childhood cancer, at 'The Ranch' in Cornville, Arizona.

While we have been able to serve our first campers this past year, we are all aware that these are very trying economic times. Businesses have experienced unprecedented reductions and many generous individuals have watched their personal wealth diminish. As a result, non-profit organizations have been seriously impacted and Camp Soaring Eagle is no different. When we formed Camp Soaring Eagle Foundation to serve seriously ill children in the Southwest three years ago, we entered into a long-term lease to build our permanent facility in Sedona, Arizona. This decision was based upon the economic conditions of that time. With the state of today's economy, the Camp Soaring Eagle Board of Directors has been diligently working, forecasting and planning for Camp Soaring Eagle's long term financial success. As part of this process, the Board has been working to renegotiate the terms of the land lease with our current landlord. The Board has been unsuccessful in renegotiating this lease to acceptable terms; therefore, in order to be able to continue to focus our efforts and monies towards serving seriously ill children, we have come to an agreement with the land owner to terminate that lease, without penalty.

The Board of Directors of the Foundation is disappointed that we are unable to continue our progress toward a permanent home for Camp Soaring Eagle on this site, but we want to make it clear that we plan to have a permanent camp facility to serve children in the Southwest in the future. More important, we have not changed our mission in any way. Camp Soaring Eagle Foundation's stated mission from Day One has always been, and will always be: To give kids with serious illnesses and their families a chance to discover the healing power of laughter and the sheer joy of play, that sickness has too long denied them. By providing camping experiences filled with excitement, challenge and fun in a medically safe setting - at no charge to the children or families. Carrying out this mission remains our first priority.

As the Founder of the Camp Soaring Eagle Foundation, I would like to personally thank our donors, partners, volunteers and the community for your support. Thanks to you we have been able to accomplish incredible things during a very difficult time. There are many more children that need our help and I am confident that this decision will enable us to focus all of our efforts and resources on the children. Thank you in advance for your belief in our mission and your hope for happiness and laughter for all children.

In Service,

Max James