Director
James Cleland
James Cleland is the Camp Director of Charis Hills. Summer camps have been a constant in James’ life since he went to his first summer camp on Lake Texhoma at the age of 7. James has over 10 years of experience working with a variety of camps and ministries and has performed almost every summer camp position possible. James loves the outdoors and was an active Boy Scout for more than 10 years and ran a Christian outdoor high adventure group for high schoolers for 2 years.
James earned a B.A. in History at Texas A&M University. He has 5 years experience as a teacher for Christian Schools and programs for children with learning differences. James is engaged to Ryann Bratcher who has been a counselor at Charis Hills for the past 3 years. They will be getting married in late August at Charis Hills.
Important information to know about James:
“I love working with children with special needs and I feel that all children should have the opportunity to go to summer camp. It is important for children and teens to experience the wonders of God’s creation and the program at Charis Hills allows them to do that. I also believe that children learn valuable life lessons and skills at summer camp that they might not learn otherwise. I am blessed to have the opportunity to work at such a wonderful summer camp with such great kids!”
Founders
Rand & Colleen Southard
Rand Southard is the President of Charis Hills. As a 
10 and 12 year old Rand attended a camp for children with physical disabilities. The die was cast. Through the next 40 plus years Rand has worked at and operated camps for children with muscular dystrophy, physical disabilities, deafness, blindness, diabetes, emotional disturbance, and learning differences.
Rand's education is in the field of Education holding a BS in Elementary Education from UT-Austin and a M.Ed in Education Administration from Texas State University. He has taught in special education in the public schools and at the Texas School for the Deaf and served at executive director levels in foster care and residential treatment. He has been married to Colleen for 34 years, has two daughters, and four grandchildren.
Important information to know about Rand:
"Charis Hills was established to provide an opportunity for a group of children, who’s needs were not being met at other camps, to have a place of their own. We have intended from the beginning to bring the word of God to life in a way that they can understand, to provide these young people with successful experiences that will increase their self confidence, to give them opportunities to improve in social skills, and to 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. We are required to use what we have and to multiply our skills, to be satisfied with what we have and not discontent with what we don’t have.
I have spent the better part of my life trying to learn these lessons myself. It is my great pleasure help in an endeavor which is so meaningful to those who can participate."
Colleen Southard is married to Rand and has spent the last 20 of their 34 years of marriage working with him in camping. Colleen enjoys getting to know the campers and their families. She loves talking about camp and answering their questions. She is really excited about the first summer at the new camp facility. Colleen grew up in Cow Town (Fort Worth) where she received a BS in Education from TCU. She is also a Speech Pathologist and has a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education from TWU.
Important information to know about Colleen:
"I love the Lord and am amazed at the things the He teaches me. It is great to be outdoors and see how He reveals Himself in His creation.
I love getting to know the campers and their families. I especially enjoy making things together with them in Arts & Crafts, eating with them in the Dining Hall and singing around the campfire ANYTIME. Water sports are just plain FUN! I enjoy anything having to do with language and books. I like teaching Sign Language at camp. Campers enjoy learning the visual language and it enhances Language Arts skills. I look forward to meeting you at Charis Hills."
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