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Arc Foundation Grants $10K in Camperships

Livingston County News - 4/12/2018

Arc Foundation Grants $10K in Camperships

Mount Morris, NY April 6, 2018 - While the weather outside continues to resemble winter, more than 30 local people with disabilities are able to turn their thoughts to the sun and fun of summer camp, thanks to The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming Foundation.

At their most recent quarterly meeting, members of the not-for-profit group approved 33 scholarships for a total of $10,640 so that individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities may attend camps of their choosing during summer of 2018.

The scholarships, valued at up to $350 each, will allow recipients to attend inclusive camps such as Wellness GIFTS in Bath, Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake, Camp Joy in Rochester, and others that serve individuals with and without disabilities.

The Arc Foundation established the summer camp scholarship program in 2007, and has since granted about 400 scholarships, including many to individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford the camp experience.

"We decided at that time that we would facilitate the attendance at camp for any number of persons with disabilities who wanted to go," says Arc Foundation President Tim McCallum. "It's a continuing part of our mission. Our focus is to raise money so that we can give money to people with handicapping conditions in Livingston and Wyoming Counties."

"Camperships," as Foundation members call them, are awarded based on a justification as to why it is important for an individual to attend camp, an explanation as to how the camp meets his or her special needs, and a letter of recommendation from someone in their circle of support, such as a family member or staff member from The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming.

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"Our son has autism," one such letter states. "Socialization and being accepted in social situations are two of his biggest challenges. Going to camp helps him to make friends and be social. It helps him to maintain friendships."

"Due to her disability, she is confined to a wheelchair and is unable to swim without special accommodations," writes an Arc Service Coordinator, about another camper. "The camp provides her the opportunity to do something that she greatly enjoys, and really does bring joy and peace to her life."

A separate but sister agency to The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming, The Arc Foundation raises money through events such as the annual "Friends Fore Life" golf tournament, Ramon Rocha 5K Run/Walk, Tour de Perry, Taste of Livingston County, and Harvest Fest culinary event. The Foundation then distributes funds to support services that maintain and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.

In addition to camperships, The Arc Foundation funds scholarships to graduating high school students who plan to work with individuals with disabilities, and to current teachers pursuing special education certifications. Other examples of Foundation grants and initiatives include adaptive equipment, emergency funds, and supplies related to individuals' disabilities that would otherwise go unfunded.

Foundation members cite camperships as one of the group's most satisfying efforts - and it's a sentiment that is shared by campers as they look ahead to warmer days.

"The best part about camp was the ability to meet new people and keep busy," says repeat camper Lisa Irwin, of Perry.

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