From Blueprints to Belonging: Kent Joins Camp Tiger Paw for a Day of Impact
At Kent Design Build, we’re known for shaping environments—but sometimes the most important spaces we step into aren’t built with steel or concrete. Sometimes they’re built with compassion, connection, and community.
That’s exactly what we experienced at Camp Tiger Paw, a summer program in Mandeville where teens and adults with disabilities are paired one-on-one with high school and college-aged volunteers for a week of joy, friendship, and meaningful experiences. Every camper is welcomed, celebrated, and given the space to shine.
This wasn’t just a morning of volunteering—it was a chance to live our values beyond the job site.
Rooted in Purpose
Camp Tiger Paw has been part of the Northshore community for over 15 years. It began with Peggy Whales and Mary Ann Haas, who laid the groundwork through St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church. When COVID paused operations, two former counselors—Whitney Kent and Diana Goff—felt called to carry it forward.
“We were in an airport talking about how much the camp meant to us,” Whitney recalled. “We said, ‘Let’s just try.’ We planned that first year in a month. Started with 35 campers. Now we’re at 66.”
The camp serves individuals ages 14 to 46 with a wide range of developmental and intellectual disabilities and is designed around structured activities—arts, music, games, and special guests from the community. But more than the schedule, it’s the relationships that define it.
“Some of these campers have been coming for a decade. It’s the best week of the year for them,” said Diana. “They feel seen. They feel safe. They’re excited from the moment it starts.”
Powered by the Community
Camp Tiger Paw runs on volunteers—high school and college students who dedicate a week of their summer to support and connect with campers. And just as important are the community partners who step in to make each day special.
“We’ve had the Saints come, LSU players, musicians, chefs, artists, local leaders,” said Whitney. “People want to help. They don’t need convincing—they just need an invitation.”
Kent Design Build has partnered with the camp for the last four years, sending teams of volunteers to help close out the week. From activity support to encouragement and celebration, our staff stepped in this year to do whatever was needed.
“They don’t just come—they show up with energy and heart,” said Diana. “Every year they say yes, and every year they make a difference.”
What We Take With Us
We build hospitals, schools, industrial buildings, and commercial spaces—but opportunities like this remind us that the strongest communities are built through human connection.
The experience wasn’t just meaningful for the campers. It was meaningful for us. When people are welcomed without conditions and supported without limits, everyone grows.
We’re grateful to Whitney, Diana, the volunteers, the families, and especially the campers—for allowing us to be part of something that reflects the best of our region.
Interested in getting involved?
Call Whitney at 985-590-1432 or Diana at 985-788-4994. You can also follow their updates on Instagram, with a Facebook page on the way.