TLC4Families

During the Semi-Annual Board Meeting held on Saturday, February 6, 2021, President & CEO, Stephen Mabry outlined for the Board of Directors a structured approach to offer TLC's summer program and facilities to families for the very first time in the organization's history. "I can't tell you how many times, I have heard siblings, parents and other extended family members say during check-in, 'I wish I could come to camp!' Well, now is their time," said Mabry.

COVID-19 has demanded that the world's population, find ways to socially distance and to avoid large gatherings and despite the release of new vaccines, the need to continue non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI's) - such as minimizing exposure to others - is going to be with us for the foreseeable future, and certainly through the Summer of 2021.

"I told you at this time last year," said Stephen, "that given Time, Planning and Information, TLC would be back. Well, we have had time to evaluate, plan and mount what we believe to be both a reasonable and creative response and the entire organization, from top to bottom, is excited to be in a position to offer, TLC-4-Families for the Summer of 2021."

The last thing that TLC ever wants to be is a well kept secret. That's why we appreciate it when those closest to TLC tell their story. The media outlets that create and air content are important partners and we appreciate their many efforts as well. See what is being said about TLC-4-Families:

• Tell Me Something Good - KWTX
• Brazos County Sheriff, Wayne Dicky

The quick answer: Families who have a child with special medical conditions living under their roof qualify to attend TLC, along with their siblings and parents or guardians.

This is going to be a very different format for our long-time or returning campers, who will be invited first to make their family application. Much of the application will be the same, but it will be shorter and more relaxed as we will need less diagnostic and care instructions conveyed to TLC.

Families registered for the program will be assigned to their own, private quarters as a family. If you are familiar with TLC bunkhouses, this will work by converting the A & B Wings to a family unit with the furnishings arranged as a living room and sleeping quarters in-one. If you are new to TLC, imagine a condominium or duplex arrangement with two families per building, but both with their own private quarters assigned as "A" or "B" to themselves.

What will families get to do while at TLC? The answer is a great deal and all of it will be done as a family unit. Families will have the opportunity to pick and choose many of the activities they wish to pursue each day while some of the activities will be scheduled.

Non-pharmaceutical Interventions (NPI's) to prevent the introduction or spread of COVID will be observed at all times; therefore, guests and staff will be asked to wear face coverings and socially distance from others while at TLC. Children less than 10 years of age will be exempted from the masking requirement, in harmony with public health guidelines.

Please be patient as we put the finishing touches on this dynamic change to operations. Keep your attention focused here at our website and upon our social media outlets for additional releases and information about the program as well as how to register. Registration is now open and the response so far has been very positive indicating that the limited spaces are likely to be quickly filled.