09/10/2025
Camp Bullwheel
736 Varney Rd, Ennis, MT 59729
www.campbullwheel.org
www.abilitymt.org
Registered nonprofit 501C3 Ein # 81-0400479
Friends of Camp Bullwheel
The Friday evening celebration of the gifting of Camp Bullwheel to Ability Montana was stellar, in every respect, including valet parking!
Mouthwatering hints of what was to come, wafted from Chef Eduardo Garciaâs outdoor kitchen, as live guitar music and hors dâ oeuvres were served on heavy wooden rounds. The sumptuous meal was sourced locally, lamb stew, tangy cabbage salad, wood-fired veges, fermented barley, and homemade vanilla ice-cream dessert with nasturtiums.
The Gratitude Boathouse was proudly on display with the history of the property, future plans, and libation- a lovely Pinot Noir and crisp CabSav. Peterâs adaptive fishing masterpieces captured the eyes of the curious along with a variety of our inflatable fleet.
The newly painted Teepee on the northwest corner and the neatly aligned wall tents added to the warm feeling of the evening that began with Scott Birkenbuelâs greeting and recognition of the gift. Valerie Faas, Peterâs sister, followed Scott, with stories of Peterâs early yearâs involvement with programs and designing inventions for disabled sportsmen, a man born to give.
Peter spoke after dinner, astounded at what has transpired since the transfer of Camp to Ability Montana, a fully committed staff and volunteers, diving into projects and improvements in every direction. I followed with the story of buying the old place in 1984, a major fix-up project that, simply took off, with the help of neighbors, friends, and Roy and Gladys Daems, the former owners that raised their family in the old homestead that was crying out for TLC. The amazing energy from that first day of ownership has now carried on forty-one years!
With the boathouse ready to finish, to include two apartments upstairs, serviced by an elevator, an engineering shop, office, and boat storage on the main floor, the next phase is in the crosshairs.
Ability Montana has brought a strong PR firm, the Bannock Group, on board, with immediate success- followed by greater exposure, grants in the works, and sights on the long game of creating better lives for people with disabilities.
Camp Bullwheelâs amazing following have done so much of the heavy lifting, building the boathouse, outdoor kitchen, house renovations, and a fleet of watercraft, the envy of Southwest Montana; nothing exists- even close!
I will continue to be one of Campâs greatest supporters, with my fund-raising efforts, along with my time and personal funds. This has been the joy of my life and seeing Camp thrive, fills my heart. I invite continuing support to help finish the boathouse that will run approximately $150,000.
A sincere thanks to every single person that has pushed us along. May the spirit continue.
Onward- Frank
