Pi Kapps Preparing Camps for a Summer of Inclusion and Belonging
In April, more than 100 Pi Kappa Phi brothers from over 20 chapters gathered at seven Ability Camps nationwide to help shape what summer will hold for thousands of individuals with disabilities. These were the final Ability Camps of the academic year, and every project completed was an investment in the season ahead: accessible cabins, safer trails, rebuilt benches and inclusive gathering spaces.
Ability Camps are national service projects that provide funding and manpower to build and renovate structures for camps and facilities serving the disability community. Members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity from various universities construct accessible fishing piers, boardwalks, pavilions, playgrounds and more. The work done will help enhance the lives of people with disabilities while also building bonds of brotherhood.
From California to Pennsylvania, brothers traded their end-of-the-semester downtime for road trips, early mornings, muddy boots and meaningful service.
Ability Camp: Illinois
Camp Big Sky: Fairview, Illinois
April 4-6
In Illinois, undergraduate members from Beta Epsilon (Missouri-Columbia) and Kappa Xi (DePaul), volunteered at Camp Big Sky, where their work contributed to a longstanding legacy of service by Pi Kapps. Brothers constructed a new section of the dock, installed posts for a new learning center, expanded the butterfly garden, moved the archery range and removed misaligned posts along an accessible walkway before installing new ones. They also laid the groundwork for future volunteers to finish installing landscape fabric and complete railing upgrades under the floating docks.
“To me, The Ability Experience means no one is defined by just one thing. It’s about embracing that everyone is special in their own way, and seeing the value in everyone,” said CJ Friedland, Kappa Xi (DePaul). “I felt like we were part of something truly meaningful this weekend.”
Reflecting on The Ability Experience’s history at Camp Big Sky, Friedland added, “You can tell there’s a Pi Kapp legacy here. Past brothers have left their mark through countless projects. It’s evidence that this mission is something people believe in and keep returning to.”
Ability Camp: Mississippi
Quiet Waters: Canton, Mississippi
April 11-13
At Quiet Waters, the list of completed projects was as long as it was impactful. Thirty-six undergraduate members and three associate members from the Alpha Lambda (Mississippi), Beta Omicron (Northwestern State) and Iota Nu (Mississippi State) Chapters spent the weekend installing a wheelchair-accessible swing, addressing erosion issues with a new drainage system, repairing fences and deep-cleaning multiple spaces across the property. From plumbing fixes to fire pit construction and everything in between, Pi Kapps tackled every task with energy and purpose.
“Getting to see the kids we’re helping, that changed everything for me,” said Ayden Slack, Beta Omicron (Northwestern State). “It made the work feel real and made the mission tangible. From now on, I’m signing up for every Ability Camp I can.”
Ability Camp: Central California
Camp Harmon: Boulder Creek, California
April 11-13
Among the redwoods in Central California, 37 undergraduate brothers and six associate members of Pi Kappa focused their energy on safety, accessibility and aesthetic upgrades at Camp Harmon. Wildfire risk reduction was a top priority, with brothers clearing flammable debris and trimming vegetation. Other projects included repairing fencing around the activity field, repainting a large, rusted storage container and beginning construction of ADA-compliant picnic tables, ensuring that outdoor spaces will be inclusive for all campers.
“This weekend reminded me why this work matters,” said Ability Camp Facilitator Neil Patel, Iota (Georgia Tech). “I watched every one of these brothers grow. They saw the direct impact of their work and left with a stronger understanding of servant leadership.”
Ability Camp: Pennsylvania
The Woodlands Foundation: Wexford, Pennsylvania
April 11-13
In Pennsylvania, 29 undergraduate brothers, six associate members and one Pi Kappa Phi alumnus tackled challenging projects that helped The Woodlands Foundation prepare for the quickly approaching summer season. Brothers split into three groups, with one re-siding an early childhood building, another installing guide rail fencing in the parking lot and the third clearing overgrown property, including trails, flower beds and trees surrounding the camp’s golf course. The men also removed scrap metal and split firewood, helping maintain safe and inviting recreation areas for future campers.
“We rely on volunteers like this to keep our property safe and functional,” said Kristen Link, senior director of operations for The Woodlands Foundation. “We’re grateful to see this new generation of Pi Kapps stepping up to pick up the legacy that has been established here.”
Ability Camp: New York
Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp: Rush, New York
April 11-13
Backed by the manpower of the largest turnout for an April Ability Camp, 49 undergraduate members, 10 associate members and one Pi Kappa Phi alumnus dove into outdoor preparation tasks at Sunshine Rotary Camp that would’ve taken the camp staff weeks to complete on their own. The brothers raked leaves, cleaned gutters, removed brush, stacked firewood and even helped tap maple trees. Additionally, the men removed the pool cover and installed docks, all part of getting the camp ready for a smooth start to summer.
“Having this group here makes a huge difference for the camp,” said Peter Kowalski, Eta Lambda (SUNY-Brockport), director of logistics for The Ability Experience. “Help from volunteers frees up valuable time and resources so the camp can focus on what matters most, creating great summer experiences for all campers.”
“We come from different schools, but we all came together this weekend for one purpose,” added undergraduate brother Samuel Cory Walker, Eta Lambda (SUNY-Brockport). “The connections I made with brothers from other chapters was my favorite part.”
Ability Camp: Tennessee
Camp Discovery: Gainesboro, Tennessee
April 25-27
In Tennessee, 23 undergraduate brothers, three associate members and two Pi Kappa Phi alumni from the Alpha Phi (Illinois Tech), Delta Iota (Middle Tennessee State), Eta Tau (Kentucky) and Iota Theta (Tennessee Tech) Chapters rolled up their sleeves for an ambitious weekend of rebuilding and restoration. Brothers reconstructed wheelchair ramps, repaired lake and poolside benches and upgraded staff housing to prepare Camp Discovery for a busy and inclusive summer season. Landscape maintenance and debris removal rounded out a productive weekend of hands-on impact.
“Being able to say I helped build something that campers will use for years, it’s a great feeling,” said Jack Roberts, Eta Tau (Kentucky).
Ability Camp: Southern California
Camp Paivika: Crestline, California
April 25-27
Surrounded by the scenic backdrop of the San Bernandino Mountains, 25 undergraduate brothers, five associate members and one Pi Kappa Phi alumnus took on a wide variety of improvement projects at Camp Paivika, preparing for a summer of programming. Brothers rebuilt the central fire pit, reinforced retaining walls to prevent erosion and carved out a new cut-through path to improve navigation around camp. Additionally, Pi Kapps removed and relocated fencing, moved cabin furniture and cleaned sleeping areas to ready the space for incoming campers.
“When our campers return this summer, they’re going to know someone cared enough to build something for them,” said Camp Director Kelly Privitt. “That kind of impact, that kind of heart, it changes everything.”
These final Ability Camps of the year shared one goal: ensuring that every camper, regardless of ability, arrives this summer to a space that’s safe, welcoming and full of opportunity.
The work done this April won’t fade with the season. In every repaired cabin, rebuilt bench and accessible upgrade, the men of Pi Kappa Phi helped create inclusive environments where all campers can take part, feel supported and enjoy the full summer camp experience.