Connect Camp for Adults with Dementia

05/16/2026

My cousin's husband just experienced cardiac arrest in their home. By the grace of God, she HAPPEN to go down to the basement to tell him something and he collapsed in front of her. She gave life-saving support till EMS arrived. He survived. He is 64 and she is 60.

Like dementia, cardiac arrests are happening at younger ages due largely to lower healthy physical activity and nutritional choices. CPR certification courses are an opportunity to be prepared AFTER something happens. If you want to know how to improve your Metabolic Health to lessen the chances of chronic issues or... early death, contact me now and take this 2-minute assessment:

https://mymetabolicscan.com/Assessment?slug=carolholmes

Hoping you live your best life now!
Carol Holmes

05/12/2026

Another fun day at Connect Camp for Adults with Dementia! Cinco de Mayo 🇲🇽was the theme to share experiences, learn ‘new’ things, enjoy and dance with music, eat delicious Mexican food and engage in activities promoting physical movement and dexterity.

Outside of this program, there is another option for us. We all can learn what we can do to mitigate the problem of dementia in ourselves!!! GHECK THIS OUT!👇

‼️New research is revealing a powerful connection between metabolic health and brain health. Some scientists now refer to Alzheimer’s disease as “Type 3 diabetes” because the brain can develop insulin resistance, making it harder for brain cells to use glucose for energy.

Studies are showing that:

• Blood sugar spikes and chronic inflammation may increase dementia risk

• Insulin resistance may begin in the brain years before memory symptoms appear

• Exercise, healthy nutrition, sleep, stress management, and metabolic health may help protect cognitive function

🔥🙋‍♀️This is one reason I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned. ‼️So many people don’t realize they may have more influence over their future health than they think. Awareness creates choices, and small consistent habits matter.

👉 You can cake a quick assessment to see where you are and learn what you can do. From there, it’s your choice.

https://mymetabolicscan.com/Assessment?slug=carolholmes

04/04/2026

The Easter story ☦️was beautifully shared with our Camp members and special guests—alongside a joyful nod to International Guitar 🎸 Month this April. Each program theme is thoughtfully designed to spark meaning, stir memories, and create moments our members might not experience in an ordinary day.

Through the kindness💕 of our community, people come together to form something truly special—breathing encouragement, laughter, and a sense of freedom into the lives of those walking through the phases of dementia. It’s a gift to witness.

We are so grateful for the friends and neighbors who so generously share their talents—and even the meal that made the day feel like home: ham, swLaDawna Taylor R***r, green peas, salad, and strawberry shortcake!

A heartfelt thank you to Ike & Carolyn Mercer, Joe Bishop, Devon, Jennifer Twait, and LaDawna Taylor R***r—and of course, our incredible volunteers. You are the hands and feet making this experience so meaningful.❤️❤️❤️

03/25/2026

03/24/2026

A Celebration of St. Patrick brought out the Irish in everyone young and old! Connect Camp just brings out the best in everyone because everyone just cuts loose and enjoys being in the moment at a place where uncertainty, fear or sadness are quickly replaced with companionship, laughter and love!

On this day, Erichsen Black Dog Ranch and Wagyu Cattle Company, LLC - Steve and Mary, that is - provided a Wagyu Shepard's Pie for everyone. And to top it off, Lolli's Kitchen made a gorgeous and quite delicious shamrock cake. That day was filled with chair Irish jigs, learning the story of St. Patrick and a bit about Wagyu cattle.

Come join and share what you love to do or just be a buddy to one of our amazing members. An Irish proverb says,"Beautiful young people are acts of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art"

01/29/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Aqx9bJQHa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

01/13/2026

🎸 Connect Camp Presents: “All Shook Up in the 1950s””

Date: 15 January 2026
Time: 11:00 - 2:00 pm
Location: St. Stephen Catholic Church Clubhouse
1802 Bethel Rd, Weatherford 76088
Behind the back parking lot, in old country clubhouse with awning

Join us for a nostalgic journey back to the fabulous 1950s, celebrating the timeless music and joyful spirit of Elvis Presley!

At Connect Camp, we celebrate each individual’s unique journey. This special day is designed to foster joy, connection, and cherished memories in a warm and welcoming environment.

What to Expect:
👍Elvis Sing-Along with a special guest & Music Videos
👍Wear fun 50s or Best Elvis Attire & Photos Taken
👍Games & Activities
👍1950s Diner Lunch with an Elvis twist
👍Relaxing 'Love Me Tender' Meditation before we end

RSVP by Wednesday noon, please!

We understand things come up but please let us know if you INTEND on being there. Reply here or Susie will follow up so we can get a good headcount for planning!

If you know anyone else that would love to be a part of our group, please share this email to get them REGISTERED. We are a donation-based, 501C3 organization. If you can...$10 is suggested, anything is accepted & nothing is required!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Susie or contact Carol Holmes at 817.609.6454

We look forward to sharing this joyful day with you!

Bringing moments of joy & respite,
Connect Camp Volunteers

01/07/2026

💛 Connect Camp for Adults with Dementia has truly been a love and a calling of my heart for over a decade. What once felt like a beautiful mission became deeply personal when, four years after we began the program, my Mom entered the early stages of dementia. Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand that gently prepared, equipped, and placed this ministry in my life long before I knew why!

Today, Connect Camp continues to be such a gift bringing joy, dignity, connection, and hope to our members and their families. It is a reminder that even in hard places, God is still working, loving and restoring hearts. He has touched many volunteers and sponsors make all this happen!

Please share this post or pick up a copy of Hoopla Magazine or access digitally (www.hooplamagazine.com) to read the article and the rest of the publication to discover other encouraging stories. And a heartfelt thank you to Cynthia Henry for her excellence and passion in keeping seniors and families informed, uplifted, and engaged.

✨ Enjoy the article, and if this touches your heart, don’t hesitate to get involved. Send me a private message and/or comment below. I would love to connect with you!💕

www.ConnectCamp.org

To provide persons with dementia with a loving, stimulating environment and to give Caregivers the needed time to care for themselves

12/12/2025

The love and celebration of the Christmas Story is alive and well in the hearts of everyone at our Christmas party! ✨

Our Welcome Circle is always a sacred moment—a time to remember why we gather and to count our blessings. Even through the murky waters of dementia, there are beautiful souls whose stories and memories rise to the surface like a lotus on a still pond. Those moments ignite the joy and warmth that carry us through the whole program. And when our members feel safe, seen, and comforted—even for a moment—that is joy. That is holy ground. ❤️

And oh my goodness… the witty, comical comebacks! 😂
You wouldn’t believe the humor and quick smiles that come during our discussions and gentle reminders. We are constantly laughing together, and truly, laughter is the sweetest medicine God gives us to carry one another through these times.

Thank you 🙏🏻 a thousand times over, to every single person who has ever poured love, time, prayer, or support into this mission that lifts caregivers and families walking through the challenges of dementia. You are part of a miracle.

Merry Christmas! 🎄

10/24/2025

🔥 IMPORTANT TO KNOW…

IF I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.

1a. Every time you enter the room announce yourself. “Hi dad - it’s say name" 😊

NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety. Anxious 😬

1. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality. 🌼

2. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it. 🌼

3. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you. 🌼

4. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me. 🌼

5. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, & see if I can still feed myself. 🌼

6. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded. 🌼

7. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am. 🌼

8. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends. 🌼

9. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past. 🌼

10. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me. 🌼

11. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated. 🌼

12. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need. 🌼

13. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.🌼

14. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live. 🌼

15. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often. 🌼

16. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault. 🌼

17. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.🌼

18. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place. 🌼

19. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings. 🌼

20. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes. 🌼

21. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know & love.”🌼