Camp Happiness 2010 Stories

Gary Girard, program participant, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, Lockport:
I like art. My favorite (activity) was the horse & wagon ride. I stayed overnight and had two pancakes. I want to stay overnight again. I liked the campfire and smores.

Donna McMichael, Elk’s Volunteer – craft area +:
It was very uplifting for me to work with such a wonderful staff and volunteers. Giving to others is very gratifying. The happiness on the faces of the campers was a much needed gift.

Steve Joslyn, Program Coordinator Subcontracting/Pre-voc, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, Niagara Falls:
It was exciting to see all the campers enjoying the water from the fire truck, swimming in the pool and watching them socialize. Camp Happiness is truly inspiring.

Jim Matteson, Recreation Manager, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, Lockport:
During the overnight stay, I was in the cabin with five male campers. Everyone was asleep when I sneezed. One of the campers said, “God bless you Jim.” I don’t know how he knew it was me, but it was a very touching moment for me.

Evelyn Kresman, Program Instructor, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara – Day Services, Wheatfield:
This was an excellent experience for my program participants and they are already talking about going back next year!

Jenny Loncki, Day Habilitation Specialist, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara – Day Services, Wheatfield:
Camp was a lot of fun! The program participants and employees really enjoyed it. The pool was great and so was the food. We really enjoyed the trails, the swings and all of the different activities that were going on. It was a real pleasure to attend camp and I hope I get to go again next year. Thank you to all of the volunteers and camp staff!

David Burton, Day Habilitation Specialist, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara – Day Services, Wheatfield:
Smiles and caring was a gift given throughout the day by everyone at camp.

Susan Broughton, Program Instructor, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara – Day Services, Wheatfield:
Three program participants from my group – Senior Suite A – attended camp Happiness for 2-3 days each. Each person said they enjoyed visors, jewelery making, face painting and the horse & Buggy ride. Lunch was a big hit as well – plenty of delicious food! Everyone had fun and the volunteers from the Elks did a wonderful job interacting with our campers – very helpful and positive.

John Richter, Food Service Manager/Cook, Camp Kenan/Lockport YMCA staff:
The past three summers the Camp has been host to a wonderful group, appropriately named “Camp Happiness”. The perspective that I have had is one of joy and fulfillment. Joy in watching volunteers, counselors, staff, and most of all campers enjoy a week of adventure and fun. My compliments go to all those participating, sponsoring as well as coordinating this special time. I look forward every summer to servicing this group with lunch and a small group of “overnighters” breakfast and dinner with great fulfillment. My hope is to be part of many more summers opening Camp Kenan and welcoming “Camp Happiness”.

Scott Literman, Camp Counselor, Camp Kenan/Lockport YMCA staff:
This was my second year working Camp Happiness. This is probably the most morally rewarding weeks I have during the year. During my experiences with the participants, I have learned a great deal about the different levels of functionalities that members have, which has vastly changed my outlook on how I viewed them previously. I never knew that they could be as outgoing as they really were. From the second they get off the bus on Monday morning it is non-stop excitement and fun for everyone. I always thought that they would be kind of nervous to interact with all of us strangers, or to be in a location which many of them have never been before, but their reactions were the exact opposite. They immediately started running up to us and the Elks talking to us and asking what they would be doing that day. The awesome part was that may of them remembered us from the previous year. This showed me that what we were doing there was really important to them. Never once did I hear one of them say that they didn’t want to do a certain thing.

One of my most memorable moments from Camp Happiness this last summer was when a camper decided to slap on a harness and climb our 50 foot tall rock wall. Many participants this week did the same, but what makes him my most memorable climber is the fact that he only has one hand. He was so ecstatic about giving his best that how high he got, which was at least 10 feet, he wasn’t scared. The entire time he was climbing everyone there, the staff, the volunteers, and every last participant was cheering him on. That is one of my favorite times.

Camp Happiness is a great idea because it brings an experience to the participants who would without it, probably never have it. The smiles on the faces of everyone who is part of Camp Happiness never dwindles throughout the week. It is a truly amazing experience which I am so proud to be a part of.

Bridget Laszewski, Waterfront Director, Camp Kenan/Lockport YMCA staff:
My experiences at Camp Happiness the last two years have been amazing! I saw so many returning faces and so many excited faces. The participants love the week and so do the staff, not just Camp Kenan staff but I never saw one frown the entire week from any of the Elks or Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara workers. Right when the participants got off the bus they were waving and so excited to be there, they would go inside the mess hall and make their craft, then it was time to get busy with the days activities. Once they saw carriage rides or pool time on the schedule their faces just lite up. At the end of the week when it was time for the closing ceremony and everyone got their shirt, there were some wet eyes in the room, including myself. I made a real connection this year a camper “K”. She and I met the first day and she decided by the end of the week the ladies on the Camp Kenan staff and her were all adopted sisters. At the end of the week she wrote us all a letter. I still have that letter and I don't think I will ever get rid of it. I know she touched me in a very special way with her warm smile and very bubbly attitude. I hope I touched her in a special way too. I am so excited to have just been a part of Camp Happiness for the last two years and I know I have grown as an adult by working there and I have seen the participants grow too.

Krista Wagoner, Camp Kenan/Lockport YMCA staff:
This was my first time working Camp Happiness and it turned out to be one of my favorite weeks of the summer. It is such a great time for the campers as they get to participate in a variety of activities they may not normally partake in. The moment they get off the bus they are smiling and busy having fun. I personally had a great time working with them, watching them open up, push their boundaries and try new things. My most memorable moment was flying kites with one of the campers “T”. At the beginning of the week she wouldn’t say a word to me, no matter how much I talked to her. But she slowly started opening up and having conversations. By the end of the week she was the one showing me how to fly a kite. I sincerely hope Camp Happiness continues to take place for years to come. It is truly a special week and a rewarding experience for all.

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Camp Happiness 2009 Stories

Laura Boyd, Day Habilitation Assistant, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, Niagara Falls:
One of the participants was so excited to be in a canoe. As Leo was paddling he said, “He felt like he was the captain of a ship exploring the world like Christopher Columbus.”

Gwen Tucker, Day Habilitation Assistant, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, Niagara Falls:
While at Camp Happiness I had a really good time. I got to meet different staff and other program particiapnts. I enjoy helping them making hats and playing different games. The most exciting thing was watching Leo, Stephanie and Ken swim. They had a contest and Leo won. I would like to participate each year.

Samantha Haney, Day Habilitation Specialist, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, Lockport:
I would have to say if I had to choose one of my favorite times at Camp Happiness it would be watching all of the smiling faces in the swimming pool. The campers’ faces never looked so happy!

Gary G., camper:
I had a great time at camp and am looking forward to attending next year. I want to thank all the volunteers and sponsors.

Fred Kanehl, Planning Committee Member, Camp Volunteer, Elk Member:
I had the pleasure of spending time with a camper who uses a wheelchair. I had the honor of taking her around the camp one day. We went from the dining hall to the canoe launch area. The idea was for her to look out over Lake Ontario and watch the campers in the canoes; including the accidental flipping(s) which she thought was funny. Next, as I was wheeling her back to the main area the Hartland Carriage Ride was returning with other campers. We waited so she could see the giant horses up close. When they stopped we went over so she could try to pet one. The horse had blinders on but I sensed he heard me as he lowered his head and twisted it over so she could pet him, which she did. He then lowered his head and nuzzled her knee. I told her he was giving her a kiss. There was no doubt that this horse had a sense of her challenges and was going out of his way to be show affection to her. The owners agreed with me when I told them the story, they said they have been amazed how the horses react sometimes to individuals with disabilities. It was a remarkable thing to have witnessed.

James Bronstein, Director Day, Clinical & Supported Employment Services East, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, Lockport:
As part of the steering committee I found it personally gratifying to see all our efforts culminate in a perfect week of smiles. Everywhere I looked I found campers that were engaged and excited about their choice of activity be it the hayride or canoeing, all I saw was miles of smiles! Seeing the response of the program participants has been a joyful experience for me and I look forward to the camp experience next year.

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Camp Happiness 2008 Stories

Joanne Hayes, Volunteer:
I was an Elk volunteer for two days at Camp Happiness and I am so disappointed that my schedule wouldn't allow me to be there the whole week. This was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. On the first day I had a hard time keeping back the tears. The excitement and smiles on the faces of the candidates for the simplest things; just watching the Camp Leaders sing a song, then the candidates joining in clapping and singing and this was just the beginning of a wonderful relationship. I have to commend the young Group Leaders from the camp -- they were so patient and positive with all the participants. When we were on the tour of the grounds, one of the young men stated to his Opportunities staff person "he was having fun today". Also, on our walk through the woods M. sang "George George George of the Jungle" and I made the comment, that's a good song. The next thing I knew R. was behind me and sang the whole song of George of the Jungle and then informed me that it was from a 1960's cartoon! Today we played on the basketball court and everyone was pretty athletic including K. who was in a wheelchair. In the afternoon they were climbing the rock wall. One girl M., wasn't even going to go inside the building but after watching, she too climbed the wall. It was amazing the courage that these candidates have. They are so unselfish and encouraging with each other, we could all learn from their innocence. I asked A. if she liked the camp and she said, "I Love It and I don't want it to end"! I feel like I am the one who gained from this experience. Next year you can be sure my schedule will be open for the whole week of Camp Happiness. I feel like I'm rambling on but, it's so hard to express all the things that happened in these two short days that will stay in my heart forever. Thank you for this opportunity.

Darlene Chas, Craft Instructor:
Today was the first day at Camp Happiness and my first day as a volunteer. I was a little nervous and I had no idea what to expect. We had a few setbacks, i.e. the bus got lost, and they were late but finally made it to the camp. Once they got there and I saw their beautiful faces and smiles in awe of the camp on the lake, I knew I made the right decision to volunteer. I don’t know who had more fun, the campers or me. Each day a group of 8 or 16 came to our craft cabin and we are making camping visors with our assistance and direction. They did great. Now they have a gift to wear with pride and remembrance of Camp Happiness to take home with them.

Neita McViegh, Craft Leader:
The campers were enjoying painting and decorating their visors. Their smile when they finish and see their faces in the mirror is worth 1,000 words. They have amazing creativity and color sense. They are proud to show off their work at the end of our sessions and we decorated the craft room with their work so on Friday when their parents come, they will see with their own eyes the pride and personal growth and satisfaction of their sons and daughters. What a great experience to be a part of; this is an honor.

Toni Stein, Craft Instructor:
Crafts today were in the main hall so we had wheelchair accessibility because it’s the only building at camp that is wheelchair accessible. The campers enjoyed craft time creating their visors, painting on construction paper and displaying their work.

Judy Brounscheidel, Volunteer (Day 1):
As the campers walked down the path to the mess hall, just getting off the bus their faces showed excitement and some a little scared of the beginning of a new experience. In my group were D. & B., whom I know through Challenger Baseball. As usual D. was the spokesperson for the group. His caring for his “girlfriend” T. is very touching. B. had his usual smile. M. has become my challenge – not speaking, but as I got his food he seemed to manage two helpings of everything. I placed the ball in front of him and you could tell he loved kicking the ball with a smile. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.

Judy Brounscheidel, Volunteer (Day 2):
M. has started coming out of his shell. He ate four helpings of rice by pushing his plate towards me not being able to say a word. He participated in kickball and tracing my hand with chalk on the blacktop. C. is doing well today. The first day he just walked around and talked to himself. Today he played kickball, colored with chalk and I never saw him talking to himself and being alone. He was enjoying himself.

Judy Brounscheidel, Volunteer (Day 3):
Everybody is enjoying camp with lots of smiles and high fives. Today was craft day for our group. Everyone decorated visors. M. and C. seemed to be so proud of their hats. They have come a long way since the first day. C. even climbed the rock wall. T. and D. made it to the top. T. (our quiet one) even climbed. K. tells everyone that he and I had made taco salads. He loves to eat. He brings his lunch and then eats camp food. We are all enjoying ourselves.

Judy Brounscheidel, Volunteer (Day 4):
Today was the big day to climb the big wall outside. A. almost made it to the top with everyone cheering him on. After lunch everyone went outside for a dance. T. (our quiet, shy one) came out of her shell and danced like a pro. What rhythm. Too bad D. wasn’t there, as le loves to dance.

Judy Brounscheidel, Volunteer (Day 5):
The last day of camp comes with sadness and joy. Everyone loved his or her awards and t-shirts. We all left with heavy hearts but with “happiness” that this week had given us. We will be back next year.