A Summary of Summer 2009
With everything that was going on in the world—this past year especially—I was unsure exactly how many campers to expect at camp due to the economic climate.
That being said, I was extremely encouraged when the applications started coming in. It validated the strength of the program we offer for and confirmed what we already know—there is a definite need for this program!
When you consider that nationally camping figures were down 15% this year, we are doing pretty well!
In comparison to past years, we were consistent in enrollment again this year.This tells me that the word is out about the caliber of program we offer. I do very little to aggressively market the camp to attract new campers. We are not being complacent; our camp program has a strong reputation and is in very good shape.
Back in January, I took part in a Camp Fair in New York City. We did end up booking two campers at that event. One young lady came for the two-week session and the other for one week. Both had an absolute blast and vowed to return next summer (the best compliment a camp can receive)! Additionally, I gained some great insight as to what other programs are offering children with disabilities on the East Coast.
I love this job for many reasons. It is an incredible feeling when you hear a new camper say they want to come back next summer because they had one of the best experiences of their life. It is also especially rewarding when parents comment on the many activities their child has attempted and accomplished during their time at camp. Many parents have told me that the child they pick up is much more confident, outgoing and happier than the child they dropped off. The bottom line is that Camp Sno-Mo offers children with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to be kids and to grow in the most amazing ways—not on the outside, but on the inside.
Staffing
This past summer, we were once again able to offer our campers an international experience by employing caring and dedicated staff from the UK, Ireland, Scotland, Jamaica and New Hampshire. Camp retains about 50% of the staff from previous years which is an amazing number and a huge indication of the impact camp has on people’s lives. For the most part, these committed individuals leave their homes, put their lives on hold for three months and travel to our corner of the world to make the summer absolutely incredible for our campers.
All of the new staff on board this year admitted in their reviews that they were not prepared for the full effect camp would make on them personally and professionally. They can’t wait to come back and do it all again next year!
Parent Testimonials
It is no secret, the relationships forged between campers and staff are amazing and the effect on everyone involved is life-lasting.
“Many thanks for
giving Helen the opportunity to experience “real” camp. I know that deep
down she will remember this time in NH as an adventure and interesting.
We are proud that she stuck it out! Helen is a strong girl and I hope
you and your staff enjoyed having her. Gary and I were really impressed
and we will pass the word along that camp Sno-Mo is terrific.”
-- Connie Cranch” (Helen’s Mom)
“Just wanted to
thank you again for showing my daughter Shannon such a wonderful time in
July. She really enjoyed herself. Which is why I am e-mailing…Is there
any way I could have someone e-mail me another copy of her group picture
taken the week of July 5? She has carried that picture with her
everywhere since she came home and we can’t even make out the kids
anymore! I would like to print it and laminate a couple of copies so
that she has something to carry with her in until next year! It is a
very nice feeling to know my daughter has such a wonderful time…thank
you.”
--Karin (Shannon’s Mom)
“You have just
made a wish come true for our family by watching over and keeping Derek
safe. Theses twelve days have given us a chance to rejuvenate and
recharge. Thank you so much! Now its time for your wish. You are doing
great things with your life helping children like Derek.Thanks again.”
--Chris & Denise Petsos
Programming
For the first time this past summer, we were able to offer eight of our campers the chance to take a kayak trip out to an overnight camping adventure on Lake Winnepesaukee.
The trip began with kayaks hitting the water out of Alton Bay. As a group, they would kayak out to an Island on the lake (that is offered by one of the Boy Scouts Alumni). After establishing base camp and setting up their tents, they prepared food over an open fire, which they had learned how to prepare earlier and then cook dinner.
They also spent time swimming and playing group games that taught team building, self-esteem, confidence and independence skills. I would really like to develop additional adventure camping opportunities for the children at Camp Sno-mo. Our campers can only benefit by increased opportunities to experience the great outdoors first hand.
I am proud to report, we had two campers complete the mile swim again this year. This is no small undertaking and it is structured in this way: quarter mile Monday, half mile Wednesday, and full mile on Thursday.
Recognition
Camp Sno-Mo was also recognized this year by Boy Scout Camp Director Mark Callahan and his staff at Hidden Valley. Camp Sno-Mo was awarded the “Area on Top” Award which is usually awarded to the program area that has overcome certain challenges, going above and beyond expectation, not only for that week but continually over the course of the summer.
All of this summer’s accomplishments would not be possible without all the amazing hard work and effort each and every one of you contributes on a year-round basis. For me, it is especially pleasing to see how much you all care about this program and understand what we try to achieve at Camp Sno-Mo. This is a responsibility I take very seriously and I feel privileged to serve you and Easter Seals NH in assisting with the delivery of this message to the children and families we serve.
On Behalf of the staff and the thousands of lives you have all helped impact both directly and in-directly, thank you all very much for your continued support and dedication to Camp Sno-Mo.
“Camp Sno-Mo is my
great escape!”
For over 30 years, campers with disabilities and special needs at Easter Seals NH Camp Sno-Mo in Gilmanton Iron Works, NH, have participated in countless recreational adventures which create lifelong memories. For camper Michael Pero, one of those lifelong memories happened on his 20th birthday.
On that day, Michael left camp on a kayaking, overnight adventure with fellow campers and staff, paddling from Alton Bay to an island on Lake Winnipesauke. The journey took over three hours and Michael describes it as “the best experience I’ve ever had.”
Michael, who is on the autism spectrum, first came to Camp Sno-Mo three years ago. Before then, the majority of his summers were spent at school. Michael is truly grateful for his time at camp. His favorite things include making new friends, being outdoors, and experiencing something new. Last year, Michael participated in the mile swim, an exciting first-time personal accomplishment.
“If it wasn’t for this camp I would still be in summer school,” said Michael. “The one-mile swim was great and I’ve never done anything like the kayaking trip before. It was relaxing and exciting at the same time.”
When the opportunity came up for Easter Seals campers to go on a kayaking adventure, along with a group of Boy Scouts who share the camp facility, Sno-Mo Director Rob Kelly knew Michael would be perfect given his energetic personality.
After a couple of days of trip preparation, Michael and the other kayakers headed out.
“This trip was the best thing I have ever done at camp. It was very peaceful and we saw many interesting sites on our way,” recalls Michael. “It was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to go again!”
Michael has so enjoyed his time at camp that he hopes to return next year as a counselor to give back to others. He has taken on leadership roles at camp and has openly embraced every new opportunity that has come his way.
Michael’s mother, Melissa, is very proud of her son and thankful for the great experiences he has had at camp.
“I have seen such an improvement in his independence, and he has become much more social as well,” Melissa says. “Usually he isn’t very talkative but being at camp brings out the best in him! Easter Seals has done a tremendous job with these kids. These experiences have enriched my child’s life. They have also enriched mine knowing that my child is safe, independent, and creating incredible lifelong memories!”
Wish List for 2010
· The golf cart needs to be replaced. Perhaps something more durable would be more suitable for camp. This vehicle is for the nurse and directors only, to transport sick or injured campers back to the lodge from anywhere in camp.
· The lodge windows need screens replaced. The sliding doors also need attention.
· A new digital camera to capture special moments would be great. We currently use a little Kodak that is four years old and has very limited capabilities.
· A television we can secure to the wall would be ideal. Safety is an issue with the TV we currently have as it is extremely top heavy.
· Stone to outline the path and building
· Sleeping bags (I would really like to replace the older and worn ones)
· Kayaks would allow us to offer Sno-Mo adventure trips
· Rain coats (the need for these was very evident this past summer)
· Hiking boots all sizes
· Bath towels
· Arts & crafts supplies