Why Charis?

A Story of Grace, Belonging, and Purpose

 

The heart of Charis Hills begins with its name. The word charis comes from the Greek word for grace—a gift freely given, a spirit of acceptance, and a love that welcomes people just as they are.

Charis Hills was founded on a simple belief: every child deserves a place where they are known, valued, and celebrated.

For many families raising children with learning and social differences, those kinds of spaces can be hard to find. Children with ADHD, high-functioning autism, and other learning differences often struggle to feel understood in traditional environments. Camp can be intimidating when social expectations feel overwhelming.

Charis Hills was created to be different.

Here, children and young adults discover a place where they belong.

our mission

Each summer, Charis Hills fills with the energy, laughter, and life-changing experiences of campers discovering that their differences do not define them. Here they learn that Christ is not simply a lesson taught on Sundays, but a living Savior who is active, real, and able to work in their lives.

While summer camp is the heart of Charis Hills, the property continues to serve others throughout the year. During the off-season, our North Texas grounds are available for weddings, church gatherings, retreats, and other special events. These groups host their own programs while enjoying the peaceful setting of the Cross Timbers hills.

Venue rentals are not the primary focus of Charis Hills—but they do help sustain the mission of the camp. When groups gather here, they are also helping make it possible for children with learning differences to experience a place where they are accepted, encouraged, and reminded that God created them exactly as they are, with a purpose for their lives.

Charis Hills exists to present Christ to His special kids in an environment that produces healing, education, and growth. Every camper who comes here is given the opportunity to learn about God’s love, build confidence, and experience success in ways they may have never known before. Our counselors, staff, and volunteers create a culture where campers feel safe to try new things, form friendships, and grow spiritually. Many campers arrive unsure of themselves and leave with a renewed sense of confidence, belonging, and joy.

Above all, Charis Hills is meant to be a place of grace—a place where children are welcomed, valued, and reminded that they are deeply loved by God.

 

Supporting Families Year-Round

While summer camp is the heart of Charis Hills, our mission continues throughout the year with programs designed to strengthen families and support young adults navigating life with learning differences.

These include:

  • Family camp weekends

  • Young adult programs

  • Special events that build community and encouragement

Each gathering continues the same purpose that defines Charis Hills: creating a place of grace where individuals and families can grow together.

 

A Place That Serves a Greater Purpose

While summer camp is the heart of Charis Hills, the property continues to serve others throughout the year. During the off-season, Charis Hills opens its beautiful North Texas grounds for weddings, church gatherings, retreats, and special events. These groups are able to host their own programs while enjoying the peaceful setting of the Cross Timbers region.

Venue rentals are not the primary focus of Charis Hills—but they play an important role in supporting the mission of the camp. When families, churches, and organizations gather here, they help make it possible for children with learning differences to experience a summer camp designed specifically for them.

Every event hosted at Charis Hills contributes to something greater: creating a place where campers are encouraged, friendships are formed, and lives are changed.

Charis Hills exists because every child deserves a place where they are seen not for their struggles, but for their potential—a place where confidence grows, faith takes root, and grace leads the way.

 

Founders Rand and Colleen Southard saw a need for the camp that became Charis Hills. Their vision was to create an opportunity for children with special learning needs to have a place of their own to hear the word of God in ways they could understand and live. Together they have worked tirelessly to realize their vision and make a difference in children’s lives. 

 
 
“We intended from the beginning to give these young people successful experiences to increase their self confidence, to give them opportunities to improve their social skills, and to help them understand that God has blessed each of us with certain gifts, but gave none of us all gifts. Our job in this life is to use what He gave us for His glory. Life should not be about what we can do, but what He can do through us.”
— Rand Southard
 
 

As a child, president Rand Southard attended a camp for children with physical disabilities. That experience defined his life’s work. For the last 40 years, Rand has worked at and led camps for children with a variety of differences, from muscular dystrophy, blindness, deafness, and diabetes to emotional disturbances and learning differences. He has brought his experience teaching special education in public schools and at the Texas School for the Deaf, as well as his service as an executive director for foster care and residential treatment centers, to his leadership at Charis Hills. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from UT-Austin and a master’s degree in education administration from Texas State University. He has been married to Colleen for 40 years and has two daughters and five grandchildren. 

 
 
“I love the Lord and am amazed at the things the He teaches me; especially through children. It is great to be outdoors and see how He reveals Himself in His creation.”
— Colleen Southard
 
 

Having spent the last 32 years working with Rand in camping, Colleen loves getting to know the campers and their families. She finds joy in making things together with them in Arts & Crafts and singing around the campfire. Colleen grew up in Cow Town (Fort Worth), where she received her bachelor’s degree in education from Texas Christian University. She is also a speech and language pathologist and also holds a master’s degree in deaf education from Texas Woman’s University.