HistoryStaff

History and Staff - Promise Camp

Deacon Roland Rose is the driving force and creator
of Promise Camp. It is his vision and tenacity that
brought the camp into being, and his leadership
guides our path into the future. With over forty years
of experience as an artist, art teacher and working
with children, Rev. Rose is the foundation of Promise
Camp.

Promise Camp began in 2005 when a small group of people realized the dream of starting a
camp for children with an incarcerated parent. Although under the auspices of the Episcopal
Church in the Diocese of Northwest Texas, Promise Camp is non-denominational and financially
independent of the diocese. We rely on private donations and volunteers to accomplish our
goal of providing a week of respite, fun, and empowerment for children with a parent in prison.
Promise Camp is held at the Bishop Quarterman Conference Center in Amarillo, Texas. The
Promise Camp program is characterized by a combination of art therapy, music therapy,
physical activity and yoga using the philosophy of the award winning YogaKids Program.

Promise Camp cannot change a child's situation. What we can do is provide a
week of fun, security, and fellowship that may touch a heart or ease a hurt. We can
show children, by our own example, trusting and respectful friendships, passion in
our chosen activities, and a love of humankind through Christ our Lord.

Katy Hoskins, M.Ed., serves as director and yoga instructor for
Promise Camp. Katy has taught in the public school system and
has been a school counselor. Volunteering with Promise Camp
since its inception, she is blessed to have found this avenue for
serving God's children. She is a YogaKids Associate and a
YogaFit Associate,

Jamie Goldston is the Director of the
Bishop Quarterman Conference Center. Jamie
works tirelessly to ensure that all campers have a
safe and secure and fun facility, healthy meals,
and leadership and guidance from prepared
counselors.

Arthur Thompson is a musician, educator, and minister
who has led the music program at Promise Camp since
2005. Arthur works with similar camps in the Diocese
of Oklahoma and Diocese of Texas. Using his passion
for music, especially drums and percussion, he has
created a program that enables children to discover
their own gifts and talents through music. In addition
to his camp programs, he works throughout the school
year with the Tulsa (OK) School District, the Oklahoma
Department of Corrections, several private schools,
and numerous civic organizations. He plays and
records with artists such as Wayman Tisdale, Tom
Braxton, and Marcus Miller, and most recently on the
Toby Keith single, "Cryin' for Me - Wayman's Song."

Then He took a little child and set him in
the midst of them. And when he had
taken him in His arms, He said to them,
"Whoever receives one of these little
children in My name receives Me; and
whoever receives Me, receives not Me but
the One who sent me."

Mark 9:36-37

HEARTFELT THANKS to our many volunteers.......

Dr. Suzanne Brent, Ph.D. for providing counselor training
Mrs. Gwen Burns for being our nurse and scrapbook project leader
Mrs. Valinda Jackson for always being available with crafts and mentoring
Deacon Todd Baxley for all his efforts in promoting Promise Camp
Deacon Ingird Zeek for being our nurse
Mrs. Becky Benes for providing team building training

Rt. Rev. J. Scott Mayer, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas
Rt. Rev. C. Wallis Ohl, retired, Bishop, Episcopal of Northwest Texas

We welcome our new volunteers for 2009:
Mrs. Lisa Karp, Mrs. Lori Barton, Mrs. Jennifer Swearingen,
Ms. Johnnye Montgomery and Mrs. Susanna Brosseau.....