Stephanie Cole

In addition to her dedicated work within the Norristown Area School District, Ms. Stephanie Cole has spent nearly 30 years giving back to children through her volunteer efforts with Camp Can Do. Camp Can Do is a summer camp program designed specifically for children ages 8-17 who have received a cancer diagnosis within the last 5 years.

Ms. Cole began her journey with the camp as a counselor, later becoming the assistant director, and eventually the director for one of the week-long sessions. Camp Can Do, originally funded by the American Cancer Society, faced challenges securing ongoing funding. As a result, Ms. Cole and other camp leaders founded their own non-profit, Camp Can Do Forever, where Ms. Cole now serves on the board of trustees.

Lake with canoes and kayaks docked and marshmallows roasting over a fireThe camp, located in Lebanon, PA, serves children from hospitals such as CHOP, Saint Christopher's, Dupont, and Lehigh Valley. Children ages 8 to 17 are welcomed into a community where they can experience a week free from worries, surrounded by peers who understand their challenges. For Ms. Cole, the most rewarding aspect of the camp is providing a safe space for children to be themselves without fear of judgment. She said,

"Being able to give children who have dealt with a cancer diagnosis a week where they don't have to worry about taking off their wig and not having hair, or dealing with questions about their prosthetic leg is incredibly rewarding. They are surrounded by other children who have gone through similar experiences, and they have the opportunity to lean on each other and share their stories."

Collage with photos of Ms. Cole and other camp staffThe camp spans 200 acres and offers a variety of typical camp activities, such as archery, arts and crafts, canoeing, and fishing, along with evening events like a dance, campfire, and giant scavenger hunts. The facility includes a lake, pond, pool, cabins, and a retreat center. Despite the challenges of securing funding, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Cole and the camp team continue to provide children with an experience that feels as normal and empowering as possible.

Map of Camp Can DoMs. Cole’s dedication to these children’s well-being and sense of community reflects her commitment to supporting others, both in and outside of the classroom. In addition to her work with Camp Can Do, Ms. Cole started her career as a high school special education teacher at a certified private school before transitioning to the Norristown Area School District as an emotional support teacher. She later became the lead teacher at Marshall Street Elementary School. Ms. Cole also pursued her educational leadership degree at Saint Joseph’s University, continuing to grow as an educator and leader.

Since the opening of Musselman Learning Center in 2014, Ms. Cole has served as its principal, making a profound impact on the lives of students and our community. Her leadership and passion for education are evident both within NASD and through her work with Camp Can Do.

We are proud to celebrate Ms. Cole’s work and her ongoing contributions to making a difference in the lives of children, both at NASD and beyond.

If you know a child who could benefit from the experiences at Camp Can Do, please share this wonderful opportunity with them.