Camp Onseyawa
At our first evening meeting of the year, Camp Onseyawa was the star. Rotarian Bob Sloan brought a dvd presentation about the camp, featuring campers, counselors, and volunteers. The touching video helped to show what an impact this camp has on the lives of those campers.
The idea for this camp was conceived in 1956 by Walt Reitman, who wanted to send his twin daughters to summer camp. One of the daughters was rejected by camp authorities because she suffered from Spina Bifida. Walt contacted the Geneva Rotary club president, asking if there was any camp that would admit his daughter. No such camp existed, but the idea took root. The Geneva club quickly realized that such an undertaking would be too great for one club and sought the help of clubs in neighboring counties.
Dawn Reeners of Camp Onseywa accepts a check for $1,350 raised at our club's annual murder mystery dinner. Gary Hopkins, presenting the check, originated the fundraiser 3 years ago.
The next year, the local Rotary clubs held the first summer camp for kids with special needs at Camp Babcock-Hovey. 33 kids attended that first camp. In 1968, the camp took on the name Camp Onseyawa. The name comes from the 4 counties whose Rotary clubs support it: ONtario, SEneca, YAtes, and WAyne.
Every year, for the last 2 weeks in August, over 100 kids aged 7 – 16 attend Camp Onseyawa. It is a real summer camp with real activities – crafts, archery, riflery, music, photography, swimming, fishing, etc. Campers are grouped into units of 10 to 14, 2 to a tent. Some former campers have come back to work at the camp. For many of the campers, this is their first time away from home, and it builds their independence and confidence.
There is no cost to the families of campers at Onseyawa. All funding comes from the 4-county Rotary clubs through their dues, and through fundraisers. One such fundraiser is our own club’s annual murder mystery dinner; last month was our third. This year we raised $1,350 for the camp.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to do so, volunteer some time at “Camp Onseyawa, Land of Happiness.” The independence, joy, and camaraderie these kids exhibit would melt even the coldest heart. Thanks to Bob Sloan for all he’s done for the camp, and to Gary Hopkins, who started the murder mystery dinner fundraisers.
Rotarian Bob Sloan introduces the Camp Onseyawa video presentation.
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