Special needs and foster families discovered an oasis of compassion on Lake Marble Falls June 9-11.
“Everyone involved has been so kind and makes sure our kids have a nice time, which is important for kids who have been through so much to just have a day to be kids,” said Bisby, a mother of four from Buda.
Her family was among dozens of participants in Skiin’ with the Galilean in Johnson Park.
In its 27th year, organizers have hosted the event on Lake Marble Falls for at least 16 years. The program, combining watersports and uplifting ministry, also hosts a three-day annual event at its inaugural venue, Lake Athens in East Texas.
Co-founder Todd Garrett shared that the program has hosted 750 campers this year, which brings the total to about 12,000 through the years.
“The Lord created this. I believe that He maintains it and provides for it,” Garrett said. “Every dollar goes to the camps. The kids come for free.”
Activities include a free breakfast each morning for volunteers followed by boat rides and tubing from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Participants load onto watercraft on the shoreline of Backbone Creek which feeds into Lake Marble Falls.
Then, participants are treated to a free lunch, fellowship and entertainment before heading out on the waterway for the rest of the afternoon.
Will Withers, a first-time volunteer, prepared his donated boat for participants.
“We even had a child in a wheelchair on a [specially-equipped] boat," he said with a smile. “For some kids, it’s the best day of their life and the family members that get to join them.”
Amy Sutherland, director of Special Needs Ministry of Austin Ridge Church, led the morning prayer the second day of the event June 10.
She described the impact of the event.
“For many of them, it's the first time they've been on a boat. They hear ‘no’ so much, so for them to come out here, they get to hear ‘yes’; they get to get on a boat; yes, they get to swim; yes, they get to ride on an inner tube,” she said. “We take away all the barriers. For their parents, it’s a day they can see their kids celebrated. It’s a day their siblings also get loved on.”
This year, organizers have signed up 180 volunteers.
Garrett added that he hopes to reach out to more volunteers to keep pace with the event which has grown each year.
“The volunteers are the greatest souls I’ve ever met,” he said. “There’s something very special about people who have a heart for those with special needs. We’re out here helping each other, caring for each other. It’s a beautiful thing.”
For more information or to sign up for next year’s Skiin’ with the Galilean, visit swtgtx.org.
