Lake Aurora Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Florida (LACC) is partnering with Removing the Barriers Initiative (RTBI) to house Stirring Waters, which will be Florida”s first aquatic adventure center that is intentionally and fully inclusive of people with disabilities. RTBI was formed as a nonprofit organization to come alongside organizations working to remove the barriers to great experiences for people with disabilities. Lake Aurora is doing just that through the various camps it now offers for people with disabilities.
RTBI founder and president Bill Redmon, who served as executive director of LACC for 34 years, recognized that the traditional funding mechanisms of the church simply were not prepared to take on big projects geared toward marginalized people. He recognized that most of the ministry to people with disabilities is being relegated to the government and secular agencies and saw the need for a bridge to the church””RTBI hopes to be that bridge.
The project will include Stirring Waters Village, a prayer chapel, a splash and play area, a swimming lagoon capable of competitive swimming, and a lazy river where all people can float together, and none of its fun-filled features will be out of the reach of the person with disabilities who has an adventuresome spirit.
While Lake Aurora will be the owner and steward of Stirring Waters, RTBI is leading the design, funding, construction, and maintenance efforts.
More information about Stirring Waters is available at www.StirringH2O.com [1] or www.RemovingtheBarriers.com [2].
Redmon also is founder of Wild Creek Adventures and minister with King”s Trail Christian Church. He and his wife live in rural Florida.