Camp Week 2011 another success!

Campers and their support staff pose together.  A grant from the Jamestown Rotary Club enabled 10 individuals, who live on their own or with their families, to attend Camp Onyahsa this year.

Imagine never being able to experience the great outdoors, or getting together with close friends for some fun and excitement, or enjoying such things as swimming and boating.

Well, thanks to a collaboration between The Resource Center and the YMCA's Camp Onyahsa, TRC service participants had the opportunity to do all that and a whole lot more.

During the week of August 22, 50 residents of TRC homes took part in the third annual fun-filled week at Camp Onyahsa in Dewittville.  Along with them, and new this year, were 10 campers who live on their own or with families.  They were supported by a donation from the Jamestown Rotary Club.  Some of the campers just came for the day, while the majority stayed overnight.
“It gives the residents an opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors, to get away from a normal schedule and enjoy camp life,” said Karen Silzle, Residence Coordinator, who served as Camp Co-Chair.

“They look forward to this all year.  It’s an opportunity to experience what others experience," said Kevin Anderson, Site Supervisor for TRC's apartment on Bene dict Avenue, who served as Camp Resident Manager.  “This is kind of their vacation for the year.”

“The collaboration between The Resource Center and the YMCA Camp Onyahsa has been a really good example of how working together with community partners can provide our participants with experiences they may never have been able to enjoy,” said Nancy Ingram, Assistant Director for Service Operations.

Activities for the week included basketball, volleyball, arts and crafts, canoeing, swimming, and archery.  Also new this year, and a highlight of the week, TRC rented a pontoon boat so the campers could ride around the picturesque waters of Chautauqua Lake.   Tyler Case, Workforce Coordinator, served as Captain of the pontoon boat, making more than a dozen trips during the week.  The pontoon boat ride was the favorite activity of many campers.

Other highlights of the week included a talent show, a scavenger hunt and a bonfire.

Norine Cramer is responsible for putting together the slate of activities.  Norine is a former full-time employee of The Resource Center who has served as Activities Director for Camp Week the past three years.

“It takes a lot of planning,” said Norine.  “A lot depends on what they’re capable of doing, and yet they’re just as capable and can do everything we can.”

“I like camp, playing basketball, going on the boat, making tie-dye shirts," said Scott Stevens, one of the campers. “It’s fun to have friends here and see everybody.”

“And the camp staff does a great job working with our folks and helping with all the activities,” said Karen.  “They have been wonderful.”

One of those Camp Onyahsa staff members was Assistant Camp Director Jeremy Culpepper, who enjoyed his first year working with TRC. 

“I love seeing the smiles; everyone is in such a good mood.  The campers try things they wouldn’t ordinarily get to try,” said Jeremy.  “This has been the most energetic I’ve seen our staff, and the campers tell me they don’t want to leave, they’re having too much fun.” 

In addition to staff from TRC and Camp Onyahsa, those from New Vision Services also made the week possible.

“TRC’s week at YMCA’s Camp Onyahsa is always a highlight of my summer, as I’m sure it is for many others, staff and campers alike,” said Nancy.

New this year, and thanks to a community scholarship from the Jamestown Rotary Club, 10 individuals with developmental disabilities who live on their own or with family were given the opportunity to go to Camp Onyahsa.

“This is a huge addition, as the general community has never been involved in this before,” said Kevin Anderson, who served as Camp Resident Manager.

By all accounts, the campers had a great time.

“It’s fun for me to spend more time with people we know, relax and have a good time,” said Will Prince, one of the campers. “I had a good time on the pontoon boat, playing basketball, and arts and crafts.”

Four TRC staff members — who were paid by New Vision Services — oversaw the 10 community campers during the week.  Although they logged long days, all four enjoyed the experience.

“The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers the Wendy Sharpe/Jamestown Rotary Handicapped Camp Fund, which provides annual support to the Rotary Club of Jamestown,” said Randy Sweeney, Executive Director of the Community Foundation.

The Rotarians were glad to provide financial support for the 10 community individuals to go to Onyahsa.  Some Rotarians went to camp on the final night to take part in the closing festivities.  They were presented with a group photo and thank-you cards made by the campers. 

“I had an opportunity to visit camp during this special week and share a delightful evening of song and S'mores by the campfire with the campers," Randy said.  "It was evident that the campers had an experience during that week beyond words.”

“It was truly heartwarming to interact with the campers and learn how they had participated in camping experiences that we take for granted. Rotary sends its deepest appreciation to the community for supporting our many fund-raisers to help bring this project to fruition,” said Sue Jones, President of the Rotary Club.

Photos and videos from the Rotarians' visit to Onyahsa can be seen on the club's web site, www.jamestownnyrotary.org.