Founders Message – Robert Thompson
Chilling in Nature has always been one of my favorite things to do! I’ve always enjoyed nature. Beach, lake, woods, mountains, waterfalls, wild life.
I’ve lived on a houseboat for the last sixteen years on Percy Priest Lake in Nashville. I have found it a constant source of serenity, relaxation and refreshment. As wonderful as lake life has been and is, a rustic wilderness of dense timberland, mountains, roughly hewn rocky trails and majestic waterfalls holds its own unequalled appeal.
My favorite place to hike and camp in Tennessee is Savage Gulf State Park. After two hip surgeries I was fortunate enough, in less than a year, to embark on a 7 day/night hike there. Though challenging, it felt like a new lease on life. Abundant vistas, waterfalls and trails galore.
Consequently, when I retired, I decided to develop a campground adjacent to the western gateway at Greeter Falls. Amazingly, 3 waterfalls and a cool swimming hole are accessible within a short 1 mile walk! So, I took my life savings and went all in. “Buy Dirt” as the song says.
One of my favorite quotes by Emerson reads, “In the woods, we return to reason and faith.” I have found it so. Nature offers solace as well as inspiration. Waterfalls especially seem cleansing to the soul, mind and spirit.
It is my hope and intention that Greeter Falls Campground becomes a place like that for you. A place to escape to and maybe regroup. Gain a new perspective. Connect with yourself, a significant other(s) and perhaps deepen a spiritual connection.
Company Background: Greeter Falls Campground is a subsidiary of Carecom, inc.
CareCom, Inc. is authorized with the IRS as a 501c3 charitable organization, established in January, 2018. Subsequently, we also registered with the State of Tennessee as a Non-Profit Corporation. We are grateful to have earned the GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency.
The mission of CareCom, inc. is to foster and support tangible expressions of Compassion, Charity and Community.
Upon retirement from the State of Tennessee in 2018, I established CareCom with the primary goal of helping the homeless in Nashville. Working with and through existing homeless outreach organizations, namely the Nashville Rescue Mission, the Contributor, Open Table, and several others, CareCom provided food, necessities and logistical support to those in need. We also served as a regular staff volunteer at the Contributor.
Through direct outreach, between 2018 and 2019, we bought, packed and distributed over 3,500 “CarePaks” to various homeless encampments and gathering places throughout the city. We also organized volunteers to help in the endeavor- physically and financially. In addition, we led an international food packing drive through Elevation Church in coordination with a local church. If you are interested in learning more about our work with the homeless, please visit Spotlight on Homelessness.
In 2019 and 2020, in addition to our work with the homeless in Nashville, we expanded our outreach in support of other non-profit organizations that embodied the our mission and vision:
Free For Life International – an anti-sex trafficking organization headed at the time (for 7 years until 2021) by my daughter Gabrielle. Free for Life accomplished its mission using a 3-tier model — we prevent, rescue and restore. I worked on a team in Dominican Republic serving orphanages and schools. Served on the Finance and Organization committee. Consulted on Administrative Affairs. Contributed Financially.
Honor and Remember – headed by my long-time friend George Lutz, the Organization aims to perpetually recognize the sacrifice of America’s military fallen service members and their families. Financially supported the organization, sponsored Tennessee Recipients, Provided logistic support for their initial cross country even and their first Tennessee “Annual Run for the Fallen“.
Ideas World. IDEAS began in 1997 by a group of innovators who wanted to change the face of traditional cross-cultural work. The vision was to bring more authenticity, creativity, and professionalism to the scene. As time went on, more like-minded professionals joined us. Today, IDEAS has 70+ skilled professional Associates working in 13+ countries in Asia, North Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. My daughter Gabrielle Thompson, heads the organization as CEO. We are also privileged to have her serve as the Carecom Chair.
Give, Pray, Post – Over the course of a year, in 2020, we performed extensive research to identify, financially support, write and publish articles about 100 extraordinary organizations throughout the world engaged in a plethora of causes – all of which represent the core principles of Compassion, Charity and Community. The goal was to help expand the outreach of these most notable and relevant organizations.
Beginning in 2021, we also embarked upon another endeavor, which was to develop a private campground adjacent to Savage Gulf State Park. Emersion within Nature has always served as a catalyst for rest, rejuvenation and even transformation for me throughout my life. It can be a place healing and connection. It can and does inspire compassion, community and charity (both towards oneself as well as others).
We initially had a “soft opening” in July. Our first complete season was 2022. Although we are only in our infancy, we have already been witness to many extraordinary things. As we continue to develop, we hope to further expand our outreach to other non-profit charitable organizations and to provide a space for them to retreat and regroup… to equip them to better serve their respective constituency.
Despite being our first year in business, we endeavored to contribute to our local community. Whenever possible, we hired local contractors and purchased equipment and supplies from local business. We also employ local residents when suitable. We developed a Website for the City of Altamont and installed new Greeter Pines subdivision signs. We support several local charitable organizations.
Further, throughout the year, we organize monthly free dinners to the local community and campers with entertainment provided by local musicians. Proceeds and sales during the event go to local charities. As our campground develops, we look to expand our community benefit programs.
We also provide significant discounts to non-profit groups who provide valuable services to community at large. Contact us for additional information. We offer a 25% discount to all our active and retired service members on all sites all the time. If you are a Gold Star Family, we are privileged to provide you up to two nights/three days free camping. Please fill out this online application.
Further, for our volunteer workampers who serve the tangible needs of our transient camper community as well as the logistical and operational needs of the campground, we offer an opportunity to work and live in a rustic timberland community. Workampers live in a special designated section of our campground (called Greeter Falls ABRI) with its own bathhouse/laundry and fiber based high-speed wifi.
As our respectful, caring community grows, we are committed to support each members personal, spiritual and artistic goals. We are also have green house and garden as well as many community outreach and service-oriented events. If you are interested in workamping at Greeter Falls Campground, please fill out this online application.
Carecom has earned the bronze, silver, gold and platinum seals of transparency awarded by Guidestar, the Premier destination for nonprofits and nonprofit research.
