A Joyful Day at the Symphony with Exceptional Families

A letter to the editor written by Jenelle Nettles, Camp Able Director, and published in the Coronado Eagle & Journal

At the Coronado Community Foundation, we love seeing the impact of our community’s generosity come to life. One of those meaningful efforts is The Exceptional Families Program (EFP)—an initiative that brings families of children with special needs together to connect, play, and feel celebrated.

Recently, EFP families enjoyed a special day at the San Diego Symphony’s outdoor rehearsal at the Rady Shell, where joy, music, and togetherness filled the air. Camp Able’s Director, Jenelle Nettles, shared a heartfelt reflection on the event and its impact, which we’re honored to share below.

Wow, what a fun event, with 90 happy families and campers in attendance at the symphony’s outdoor rehearsal at the Rady Shell! So many smiles, so much laughter, and appreciation filled the day. In addition to the games and crafts, our families were delighted by a surprise visit from several musicians. We want to thank the Coronado Community Foundation (CCF) for its ongoing support for the Exceptional Families Program (EFP). The families felt so loved, and the campers accepted, being a part of a community that was all about them. Lots of connections were made with families exchanging numbers and setting up times to get together. Everyone is excited for the upcoming EFP events and is adding the dates to their calendar. The event also brought a lot of community awareness for Camp Able and a wonderful collaboration with the San Diego Symphony! A special shout-out to Laura Reynolds and Lauren Rausch from the San Diego Symphony for their support in providing tents and

tables for our group. Several families commented that the EFP was an easy event to bring their special needs family member and the entire family to, with so many options for the camper to experience and participate in the way that they can. The families also expressed that they felt so accepted, a part of something that was just for their special needs family member, that they could enjoy together. The families were very thankful for the box lunches provided by CCF. I can’t say it enough!

Jenelle Nettles

Director Camp Able