Aaron's Acres Holds Live And Virtual Camps
"It's so good to be back (at camp) in person," said Aaron's Acres executive director Risa Paskoff. During 2020, Aaron's Acres held virtual camp for 50 campers, but this year, six weeks of weekday summer camp are being held at the Manheim Community Pool and Memorial Park, along with a two-week virtual camp. The camp has programs for children, adolescents, and adults ages 5 to 21 with developmental disabilities.
Camp began June 21, and two-week sessions will be held through Friday, Aug. 6, with the exception of the week that began on July 5 because of the holiday. Paskoff explained that when the organization asked the state for approval to run the camp, COVID-19 restrictions were more stringent, including wearing masks and COVID-19 testing for those who had not been vaccinated. "They are lighter now," said Paskoff on the second day of camp. She added that the number of campers was limited by restrictions as well. "We would normally have 80 campers at each session, but we had to cut back, so we only have 30," she said.
Calling the in-person camps "basic," Paskoff explained that sessions are held each weekday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In the morning, campers use the pool in Manheim or take part in therapeutic horseback riding at Greystone Stables in Leola. In addition to swimming, activities include group games, crafts, snacks, and music therapy. Special events will include visits from Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, a petting zoo, an entertainer, and more. "(These are) all activities we can have here (at Manheim)," said Paskoff, who noted that the 1-to-2 child-to-staff ratio is still in effect, and a nurse is on site. "Every child who wants to come can come, and we can meet that child's needs," Paskoff stated.
In the spring of 2020, when parents reported that children were having a hard time adjusting to school being closed, Paskoff and program director Elaine Burnett worked to create meaningful virtual and touch-point experiences for campers. "We had 50 kids on the screen (at virtual camp)," reported Paskoff, who encouraged staff and visitors to wear their Aaron's Acres yellow T-shirts because she knew the color would comfort campers. "While the activities were going on, staff members would call a name and say, 'Pick that up to show it. It's beautiful.'" Virtual activities included cooking, scavenger hunts, bingo, and singing. "It was better than we ever thought," said Paskoff.
Touch-point activities included surprise fall and spring visits to campers' homes. Dressed in their Aaron's Acres blue and yellow gear, the five members of the administrative team used the organization's van to bring each child a special gift. Parents also received hot chocolate in the fall and the makings of ice cream sundaes in the spring. Burnett called ahead, asking parents to send the child to the door when the bell rang. "We wanted it to be a surprise," said Paskoff. "(Each camper was) so excited that Aaron's Acres was at their house."
More information about Aaron's Acres may be found at http://www.aaronsacres.org.
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