Individuals with disabilities enjoy week at camp

For those who were there last year, it was one of the most anticipated events of this past summer.  For others experiencing it for the first time, they can’t wait to go back again next year already.

About 65 individuals with disabilities and a number of support staffers recently spent a fun-filled week at the YMCA’s Camp Onyahsa, in Dewittville, on the waters of Chautauqua Lake.  Many were overnighters and stayed in the cabins, while others just spent the day taking part in a wide variety of activities.

“Some of these individuals have never had the chance to go on vacation, “said Robert Warner, Site Supervisor of TRC’s Individualized Residential Alternative on Forest Avenue in Jamestown.  “This gets them away from the home and work environment, and they’re very happy; they’re all enjoying it.”

Including Larry Feldt, who said he enjoyed going out on the boat and playing volleyball. “It was a lot of fun,” said Larry.

Scott Stevens said he had a great time out on the boat too and really enjoyed tie-dying shirts.  “I like it here.  I like it a lot.  I get to see my old friends,” said Scott.

“The campers get to see friends they haven’t seen in a long time,” said Nancy Ingram, Assistant Executive Director for Service Operations, “and its also time spent with the Direct Support staff.  We have wonderful people working with us here at The Resource Center.”

It’s those people together with the Camp Onyahsa staff who oversee the meals, activities and the overall well being of the campers.

“It’s been quite an experience, a life-changing experience,” said Mackenzie Troche, Camp Onyahsa Junior Counselor.  “It makes us happy to see that we’re making them happy and they’re having fun.  It gives them an opportunity to experience how fun camp is.”

It’s an opportunity for those like Joni Wilson, who said she had a great time sailing, making arts and crafts, and going on nature walks in her wheelchair.  “I get to talk to my friends, and I’m having fun."

Other activities during the week included basketball, swimming, fishing, kickball, BINGO, and table games.  Other highlights were a dance program and a bonfire.

“The bonfire and the big porch party are two of my more memorable moments from last year,” said Nancy of the first time TRC coordinated a camping excursion on such a large scale.  “The week is unbelievably exciting.  It was one of the best things TRC has ever done.  It’s a wonderful week.”

Nancy has worked for TRC since 1974 and has witnessed many wonderful developments and events at the agency over the years.  When she says putting together the week at Onyahsa is one of the best things the agency's ever done, that’s saying a lot.

On the last day of camp, awards were handed out, and a group photo was taken to forever capture the memories and special times of the week at Camp Onyahsa.

And while a large group of individuals with disabilities enjoyed a week at Onyahsa, a handful of other individuals who are involved in Scouting had the opportunity to enjoy a week at the Boy Scouts’ camp, as what started out as a trial run will no doubt end up a yearly TRC tradition.
During the first week of August, five members of TRC's Scouting troop, better known as the Cougars, and four staff members spent five days with the Boy Scouts at Camp Merz, located south of Mayville on Chautauqua Lake.  While the Cougars have participated in many Scouting activities over the years, this was the first time they had spent a week at the Boy Scout camp.

“It went marvelous,” said Linda Gorton, Direct Support Professional in the B-3 home at the Intermediate Care Facility on Foote Avenue in Jamestown.  “The Scouts at Camp Merz got the chance to meet individuals with disabilities and soon realized they didn’t have to be afraid of them.  Before the day was over, they were having a good ole time.  They all got along well, interacted well and just got to relax.”

Much of that interaction centered on a variety of fun activities.  The Cougars and the other Scouts made rope, arts and crafts, birdhouses, and sculptures.  They took part in archery, flag activities and nature walks.

“They had the best time, and everybody was so happy,” said Linda, who co-leads the Cougars.  “They really enjoyed themselves, and the Camp Merz leaders went out of their way to help us.  They were absolutely great.”

“My camp staff had a wonderful time,” said Joe Debiso, Director of Camp Merz.  “It gave my staff an opportunity to work with a group that they normally wouldn’t, and it also gave them a chance to work hand in hand with the Scouts.  It gave them insight to people with disabilities.”

Joe added he and his staff look forward to welcoming the Cougars back again next year, and Linda said the campers and staff had such a good time they can’t wait to return.

“I just think everyone should get together," said Linda.  “We all got along.  It was like there wasn’t a disability at all.”