‘Wonderful’ getaway: Kids & Sibs Camp fills needed void in area
Submitted photos Campers, staff members of Prevention Works Inc., local-area volunteers and Camp Onyahsa staff members pause for a moment in their busy day to take a group photo, during a Kids and Sibs Camp, held at Onyahsa, 2002. Kids and Sibs Camp will be offered again this year and is in its’ third iteration.
Boating, canoeing and kayaking are just some of the many activities that ‘special needs’ campers and their siblings can enjoy during Kids and Sibs camp, hosted by YMCA Camp Onyahsa, 2002.
Campers enjoy some swim time while one camper makes a dash for the shoreline, during a Kids and Sibs campout, held at Camp Onyahsa, 2022.
Two campers and an Onyahsa staff member are fishing during a Kids and Sibs Camp, at YMCA Camp Onyahsa, 2022. Kids and Sibs Camp allows for children who are ‘special needs’ and their siblings, an outdoor, exciting and safe camping experience, and is part of the Prevention Works Inc. of Jamestown’s plethora of programing.
Submitted photos Campers, staff members of Prevention Works Inc., local-area volunteers and Camp Onyahsa staff members pause for a moment in their busy day to take a group photo, during a Kids and Sibs Camp, held at Onyahsa, 2002. Kids and Sibs Camp will be offered again this year and is in its’ third iteration.
Boating, canoeing and kayaking are just some of the many activities that ‘special needs’ campers and their siblings can enjoy during Kids and Sibs camp, hosted by YMCA Camp Onyahsa, 2002.
Campers enjoy some swim time while one camper makes a dash for the shoreline, during a Kids and Sibs campout, held at Camp Onyahsa, 2022.
Two campers and an Onyahsa staff member are fishing during a Kids and Sibs Camp, at YMCA Camp Onyahsa, 2022. Kids and Sibs Camp allows for children who are ‘special needs’ and their siblings, an outdoor, exciting and safe camping experience, and is part of the Prevention Works Inc. of Jamestown’s plethora of programing.
Trending
Laurie Reynolds three years ago was struggling to find a camp for her "special needs" son to attend.
Much to no avail.
However, this intrepid mother and human services worker decided to take matters into her own hands by founding an organic camp dedicated to children with 'special needs'.
Prevention Works Incorporated, based in Jamestown, where Reynolds is an assistant director at has the mission of educating communities on positive life choices by encouraging health, wellness and inclusion. Moreover, this non-for-profit has become an anchor point and the inaugural host of a the all-inclusive -special needs- Kids and Sibs Day Camp. This camp is scheduled to take place Thursday, Aug. 17, and Friday, Aug. 18, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at YMCA Camp Onyahsa and is in its' third year running.
Granting agencies, governmental departments and donors all appear to want to get the biggest bang for their buck. So, anytime an organization can collaborate, join forces or work together it's a 'win-win' situation for all involved.
""YMCA Camp Onyahsa and Jon O'Brian (camp director) was the first camp to reach out and step-up," said Reynolds. "A wonderful partnership has ensued, YMCA Camp Onyahsa has been wonderful to us, and the camp staff is of the highest caliber."
This collaborative partnership is one of mutual respect and done in the spirit of inclusiveness.
"This is a wonderful partnership and spearheaded by Prevention Works," added Jon O'Brian, longtime Camp Onyahsa director and locally tenured college professor. "Laurie Reynold has brought together youth professionals from the Y, the Resource Center Jamestown Public Schools, SUNY Fredonia Education Department and parents to provide a quality, traditional, camping experience for youth with developmental disabilities and their siblings, who may not have disabilities, at no charge, held at Onyahsa, and now in its' third year."
As with most offerings of this nature there is a cap on the number of campers and siblings who may attend.
"We have a total of 60 campers," said Reynolds. "40 or so 'special needs' kids and 20 or so in the siblings group. We try and keep it capped at 60 campers."
While this camp is free for program attendees, there is a tangible cost associated with producing an extravaganza like this, and money must be raised in order to ensure it stays free for local-area campers.
"Several organizations around the area work hard to support us and provide the funding needed to keep this a free and accessible program," added Reynolds.
Moreover, some of the fundraising endeavors have become quite original and fun in nature.
"There's just so many people and organizations who've helped make this camp happen," said Reynolds. "One unique fundraiser is the Fatman, 5K Donut Run, however there is so many awesome organizations and people who really work hard together to make this happen."
For those wishing to support, attended or to learn more information on Kids and Sibs camp, contact Prevention Works Inc. at 716-664-3608 or visit them on the web at https://www.preventionworks.us/.
While O'Brian is found of saying "camp is for the campers," this one time, he may say- Camp is for the campers and siblings."
.