Remember that being is more important than getting.

“If you want peace of mind, remember that being is more important than getting. It is not what you have in life, it’s what you are. It is not the accumulation of things, but the acquisition of character.” ~ Robert H. Schuller

In our rushed society, we sometimes lose our focus and mistakenly equate our personal success as well as the success of others with house size and location, the type of car one drives, or what exotic vacation we’ve been on, and so on. Robert Schuller’s statement above reminds me of several experiences I have had with Arc of Katy “kids” that have changed me forever for the better and have helped me to realize that being is more important than getting.

I think of a few years ago when Austin H. stood at the door of the Katy Social Services building and cheerfully greeted guests that came to congratulate his grandmother for being Katy Senior Citizen of the Year. Austin was so personable! He knew everyone by name, shook their hand or hugged their neck, greeted them with a smile and thanked them for coming to his grandmother’s celebration. I thought then; “I want to be more like him!”

Then there is Lisa S., a former student of mine from years past who has taken the time to call and wish me a happy birthday each year for the past 20 years or so. Each time I receive that cheerful birthday greeting I think; “I want to be more like her!”

Then there is Susan B. who recently performed in the Arc’s Summer Day Camp talent show titled; “Let Us Entertain You”. As Susan danced so elegantly across the stage to beautiful classical music, she showed no sign of fear…only her passion for dancing and music. As tears of joy streamed down my face I thought; “I want to be passionate about what I believe in, I want to be more like her!”
Each time I am around our Arc of Katy “kids”, some of who are over 60 years old, I am filled with gratitude for the things that they have taught me. They have true wealth because they are people of great character. I want to be more like them!
Amy

To find out more about The Arc of Katy, please visit our website:

www.thearcofkaty.org .

News from The Arc of Katy - latest newsletter

Check out our latest newsletter to catch up on the scoop! Click here to read newsletter.
Amy

Aren't you glad we're Friends?

In reflecting about the recent golf tournament benefitting The Arc of Katy, I was once again reminded of the wonderful friendships that have been established by those that have been envolved with The Arc of Katy through the years. Some friendships have turned into 20 year friendships and others are just beginning. God is good!
Get involved, you won't regret it!

I hope you enjoy this little video showing a few of The Arc of Katy's activities from this past year.
Amy

2009 Golf Classic Photos

The Arc of Katy thanks all the many people who made this week's Golf Classic a great success!!!
Please enjoy the photos:

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

With one of The Arc of Katy's two major fundraisers just around the corner, I thought it worth reminding all of us that The Arc of Katy's programs are possible due to the donations of people like you and me.

This summer, great things are happening at the Arc's Summer Day Camp. Campers are enjoying learning through music, rhythm, and dance as well as through sports, art, and exercise. When I go, I see smiles on faces and everyone having a great time. It is truly a blessed program.

In addition to the very successful Day Camp, another group is forming for individuals with specialized needs. This is also exciting as it means that The Arc of Katy is growing to meet the needs of more individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Katy area.

Please take this time to consider how you can help The Arc of Katy. Because of people like you, great things can happen.

The Consolidated Communications~Arc of Katy 2009 Golf Classic is coming up on July 20th, 2009. Please consider participating,volunteering, or making a donation of some kind. For more information please click here.

Great things are coming this summer!

Hi all,

Golf Tournament:
In July we hope you will join us at the Consolidated Communications ~ Arc of Katy Golf Classic on July 20th at Pine Forest Country Club to help raise funds for The Arc of Katy and its current and future programs. If you do not golf, you might consider supporting The Arc of Katy by sponsoring a hole or making a donation or perhaps you would like to volunteer to help with the tournament. We have a place for you if you have it in your heart to help. For more information about the golf tournament, please go to: http://www.thearcofkaty.org/events/golftourney.aspx .

Summer Camp:

At The Arc of Katy we are excited about the great things that are happening this summer! The Arc of Katy's Summer Day Camp opened on June 15th at Williams Elementary, right behind the Katy Family YMCA. We are so greatful to Katy ISD for their generosity in allowing us to have the day camp in the gym at Williams Elementary. Near the end of the summer, the program will move to Kinglsand Baptist Church for the last 2 weeks, so we are very greatful to Kinglsland Baptist for their generosity as well! The theme for this summer is "Let Us Entertain You".

Twice a week the summer program participants will be marching to the beat of "A Different Drum" as Mark Ferow from The House of Drums & Bass will be providing music therapy through drums and percussion using colors to teach rhythm and patterns. You can view photos of the first day of camp by clicking here.

I hope this day finds you happy and healthy and enjoying a great day.

Lessons Learned from some of God's greatest teachers

Everyone that works in or visits The Arc of Katy's Adult Activity Day Camp (at the Katy Family YMCA Camp Cinco) comes away forever changed for the better.

Here are a few of the things that we have learned from these awesome and inspiring "teachers"....(the participants of the Day Camp and/or summer program).

Austin - Include everyone, extend your hand in friendship.

Susan - Look people in the eye, smile and have a good sense of humor.

Kevin - Dare to be funny and laugh at yourself.

Brandon - Care for others and be helpful.

Lindsay - Listen to others. Love shows in our actions.

Mark - Be at peace with those around you.

Jonathan- Be creative and learn new things, listen to the music of life.

Sarah - Overcome setbacks and be willing to start again.

Nathan - Ask for God's help in all things.

Megan - Be compassionate, offer help to those who need it and be a faithful friend.

Jan - Appreciate others and say thank-you. Be willing to try new things.

Becky - Don't be afraid to dance, smile, and always take time to laugh.

Blake - Cooperation gets things done, greet others with a firm and friendly handshake.

Christy - Make others feel welcome, share, and protect your friends from harm.

John - A friendly greeting and a hug are great gifts to give to others.

Benji - Be organized.

Caitlin - Always be willing to make new friends.

We have been blessed,

Amy Campbell, Peggy Hudson, and Cheryl Crozier