As the staff of Trailways Camp grows and the organization gained 501c(3) nonprofit status in 2022, it was time for the 12-year-old program to establish a permanent home base on Sanibel Island, where it began. On Jan. 7, the SanCap Chamber helped celebrate the opening of Trailways’ new office at 1177 Causeway Road, as the chamber visitor center’s latest neighbors.

“SanCap Gateway Realty offered newly remodeled space and an enabling discounted rental opportunity in 2024,” explained Trailways Camp vice chair Sharon Miller. “The Causeway Road location is ideal for ease of access by the Sanibel and off-island located residents with whom the team interacts daily. The location is also next door to the chamber headquarters, which facilitates information flow about the community, and collaboration with the members, businesses, and organizations who are the heart of post-hurricane development.”

“How great to welcome Trailways to the neighborhood,” said John Lai, SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer. “Sanibel residents Sharon and Jerry Miller and their late son, Benjamin – a well-known figure on the island – have done an incredible job providing camping experiences to special-needs adults. With the help of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, they’re now able to grow and stabilize.”

Previously, meeting and training operations were conducted from homes, donated spaces, storage units, and “rolling suitcases,” Miller said. Since 2012, Trailways Camp has provided 37 overnight camp sessions that encourage connecting with neighbors, building friendships, and participating in community life. In 2025, Lee County United Way approved Trailways as a partner agency.

“The leadership, training, and developmental guidance of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands has been vital to maintaining excellent core functions of a new nonprofit organization in its home community,” said Miller.

ABOUT SANCAP CHAMBER

The SanCap Chamber is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over 1.3 million visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or [email protected].