Our Founders

Kelsey Sawyer Carter and Margaret Deans Grantz share a passion for serving others. Their long-time friendship took root many years ago following the shared experiences of losing someone they loved to cancer. Kelsey lost her brother Cole. Margaret Deans lost a childhood friend. As the dream to build Camp Cole took shape, their special friendship developed greater meaning. 

Together, the hard-working duo established what is now South Carolina’s newest accessible camp and retreat facility dedicated to bringing together children, adults, and families who need it most. Their backgrounds in education, marketing, and fundraising, along with a caring and dedicated Board of Directors, have inspired them to navigate this amazing journey. 

Their servant hearts continue to guide Camp Cole forward, ensuring that as the campus grows, so will the organization’s commitment to transforming the lives of every camper they meet through advocacy, programming, and collaborations with healthcare providers.