A Quest to Raise $18MM to Fund Austin’s New ‘Camp For All’

With twin nine year olds of her own, Ellie Falcao understands the struggle of getting kids out from behind their screens and into nature. Inspired by a tour of YMCA Camp Moody, Ellie recalled her own favorite times as a child in the wilderness of Colorado, and vowed to transform her family to outdoor enthusiasts.

Since experiencing Camp Moody, Ellie and her family have since ventured through 44% of our country’s National Parks and goal to hit all 58 before the kids leave for college. Ellie felt a call to join the larger mission of setting up YMCA Camp Moody for success. She was asked to join the board, and has helped spearhead the high-end $18M fundraising initiative ever since.

Her favorite part? Seeing the tangible effect of her volunteer efforts. “I didnt want to be on a board in name only. I wanted to get my hands dirty and affect the organization in a better way. The great thing about the ‘Y’ is that they ask you to participate in making a bigger difference.”  

YMCA Camp Moody’s “Camp For All” concept, Ellie says, will deeply resonate with the Austin community. Not only will it be a facility accommodated to all levels of social and physical ability, it will also never reject any camper for their ability to pay.

Fighting the not-so-shocking metric that children are spending 50% less time in nature than they did 20 years ago, YMCA Camp Moody will seek to bring alive the natural wonders in the Austin area and inspire our younger generation to explore the outdoors.

In this episode of Voices of Impact, Ellie talks about what it’s like to lead the charge in funding the $18MM project. We discuss the importance of the outdoors, creating an oasis in Austin, and providing an inclusive experience. Ellie also shares her personal connection to the cause.