Donations Needed For Camp Valor In Conroe

CONROE, TX — The Birdwell Foundation is opening Camp Valor in Conroe to its first participants in roughly a week and is in need of donations.

The Birdwell Foundation was founded in 2018 by Gene Birdwell to help veterans and first responders suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. The nonprofit organization headquartered in Houston has locations in 11 states.

Camp Valor is the foundation's next program. The camp is located on a scenic 9.5 acres with a creek-fed pond, and the two-story brick building has beds for 16 people. According to the Birdwell Foundation website, the program will help veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD a chance to "find their way out of darkness," and receive help in the healing process from trained staff and volunteers. Services offered at Camp Valor include peer-to-peer mentoring, life skills, professional counseling and training up to six months.

Currently, the property has a large kitchen, two fireplaces and a saltwater pool. Plans for expansion include adding gym facilities, a garden and new buildings to house more program participants. Once those are built, the current building will be converted to one dedicated for women suffering from PTSD.

Camp Valor is free for residents, so support from the community is necessary to provide the necessary care for clients. Monetary donations can be given on the Birdwell Foundation website under the "Support Camp Valor" box. The facility also needs many specific items as it approaches its opening. A complete wish list of items can be found on the Camp Valor Facebook page. To donate items off the wish list, coordinate contributions with co-directors John Bailey (253-391-4427) and Mike Davila (713-429-9210).