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Camp for wounded veterans, people with disabilities begins to take shape in Virginia Beach

Virginian-Pilot - 7/22/2017

July 22--VIRGINIA BEACH -- Cathy Mitchum and her friend, Terry Williams, stepped away from a party at JT's Camp Grom for a few minutes to take in the view.

They walked along the newly built observation deck and glanced out over the sprawling lake.

When the camp opens, possibly by the end of the year, families will be able to launch kayaks on the beach area and fish off the docks.

"It's going to be awesome," Mitchum said.

JT's Camp Grom on Prosperity Road near General Booth Boulevard is named after Virginia Beach native Josh Thompson, who has ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Thompson inspired the Virginia Gentlemen Foundation to build the camp, which will serve wounded military veterans, families of fallen warriors and children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. The foundation, a group of Thompson's friends, also built JT's Grommet Island Park at the Oceanfront.

One million dollars is still needed to complete construction of the camp. A fundraising party was held last Sunday where donors toured the new buildings and enjoyed a performance by country artist Cole Swindell.

Mitchum's family will build the camp's aquatic center with a sloped entry to the pool.

"I'm excited to lift up the military," she said.

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads will operate JT's Camp Grom. The Y plans to reach out to groups who serve people with disabilities to design field trips that will meet their needs, said President Billy George.

It will have a "family camp" atmosphere where guests can buy day passes. The cost is still being worked out.

More than two dozen people will work at the camp, and there may be opportunities for volunteers to assist them.

"It's a new concept to address a critical issue in our community," George said.

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(c)2017 The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, Va.)

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