Sutherland, Iowa — Seasons Center officials tell us they’re going to close their camp near Sutherland.
Officials with the behavioral health center in Spencer tell us they regret to inform the community that Camp Autumn, their therapeutic kids camp, is closing.
They tell us the decision, made after careful consideration by the Board of Directors, comes as a result of several concerns: 1) the delayed rollout of the State of Iowa’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Medicaid Demonstration Program; 2) the uncertainty of future funding due to the state’s management re-structure of behavioral health services and the launch of a new behavioral health service system; and 3) the reallocation of agency resources needed for flood recovery.
A statement released by Seasons Center says, “For eight years, Camp Autumn has served as a place to care for and support children by weaving together the therapeutic aspects of nature, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based behavioral health programs and services. Camp Autumn has been a safe space that has promoted health, healing, hope, and fun for those who needed it most. Seasons Center is incredibly grateful to the many businesses, organizations, and community members who have supported Camp Autumn, our campers, and their families. Seasons is also thankful for the dedicated staff and camp counselors who have enriched the lives of so many campers and contributed to Camp Autumn’s success.”
President & CEO of Seasons Center, Dan Ries, says, “The decision to close Camp Autumn was not made lightly. We have cherished every moment with our campers and are heartbroken to make this announcement.”
Ries says they have decided that they need to focus on their core services — that that is best for their agency and their clients.
