Camp John Marc partners with community and health professionals and organizations to provide high quality camping experiences year round to campers who have a chronic illness or physical disability.  These experiences are motivated by the belief that every camper has the right to discovery and adventure in nature’s world, and deserves a chance to see, touch, play, and feel better.

Camping programs for children with special health needs emerge in the Dallas community. The early forerunners are Muscular Dystrophy Camp-1967, Cystic Fibrosis Camp-1979. A major concern: no permanent site. Dr. Edward Krusen was the first doctor involved with Muscular Dystrophy Camp in Texas. The founders of Cystic Fibrosis Camp were Dr. Claude Prestidge and Susan Williams. Also involved with in the first CF camp were future founding CJM Board Members Anne Oliver, Suzzi Perry and Sally Francis (later to be a founder of Camp Esperanza). The Junior League of Dallas was very involved in supporting CF Camp from its start.