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Commissioners approve extra $5,000 for Camp Thrive summer program for residents with IDD
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Summary
The Iredell County Board of Commissioners approved adding $5,000 to a Partners Health Management request—bringing county-held support to $20,000—to launch Camp Thrive Iredell, a six-week structured summer program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program will be complaint-driven and use state partners for volunteer recruitment.
Partners Health Management asked the Iredell County Board of Commissioners on April 7 to allow the use of up to $15,000 in county-appropriated fund balance to support Camp Thrive Iredell, a six-week summer program for children, youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Jeff Eads, appearing for Partners, said the program would run three age-specific two-week sessions across June and July, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and would emphasize recreation, community outings and inclusion.
The request outlined an estimated direct cost of about $14,000—roughly $10,500 for staffing and $3,500 for supplies and travel—with a $15,000 cap asked to allow flexibility for unexpected costs. Bobby Williams of Special Olympics and Jerry Campbell, a community engagement specialist with Partners, told the board that statewide volunteer sign-up resources would be used and that some participants who require one-on-one supports should bring a caregiver or mentor.
Board members asked whether the $15,000 would cover program needs and whether slots were filled. After discussion, the board chair proposed and moved to add $5,000 to the Partners request so the county-held allocation would be $20,000. The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Eads thanked the board and noted Partners holds the funds on behalf of the county and will use them for Iredell County residents.
The board’s action was limited to approving use of the county-appropriated fund balance held by Partners Health Management; program operations, volunteer management and insurance coverage were described as being managed under the Special Olympics umbrella. Officials said the program is inaugural and may be expanded in future years if successful.
Board members indicated interest in monitoring participation and potential future funding needs as the first-year program is implemented.
