Camp program helps kids and families

Realizing a dream for those with special needs MILFORD — There are few things in life that bring Evan Passaro more joy, or give him a greater sense of independence, than his two weeks at summer camp. At 17 years of age, and six-feet, the neurologically challenged teen is no longer a child. But that hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm for the meaningful experience of summer camp. “He looks forward to the day he goes to camp with all the excitement of a six-year-old,” wrote his mother, Jeannemarie, in a letter of heartfelt thanks to the organization that makes Evan’s participation possible—the Ingeborg A. Biondo Memorial Foundation. Now in its eighth year, the foundation’s summer camp program is one of the most satisfying and successful programs sponsored by the Biondo Foundation, which funded summer camp experiences for 126 individuals in 2009. Established in 1986 by Joseph R. Biondo in memory of his wife, Ingeborg, the Foundation financially assists developmentally, neurologically and physically challenged individuals, their families, their caregivers and others in the tri-state area of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. Evan is not alone in his appreciation for summer camp. Aaron Aumick’s family wrote to thank the foundation for sending their son, who suffers from Type 1 diabetes, to Camp Nejeda, which specializes in the life-altering disease. “Aaron spent 12 days feeling ‘normal’, having no worries of what others think. He experienced the joys of making friends who share the same challenges in growing up with a life-threatening disease. It has helped to remind him that he is not alone.” Aaron’s time at camp allowed his parents to focus on the rest of the family, giving attention to his siblings and grandparents, while revitalizing their own relationship as a couple. The experience has led Aaron to begin thinking of his future in terms of helping others, beginning with becoming a counselor at the camp when he is old enough. Jamie Flood, whose son Alex also attended Camp Nejeda, wrote to express her gratitude: “At Camp Nejeda, Alex is able to enjoy just being a kid. No one stares at him while he is taking his insulin injections, because you are sure to see 60 other kids doing the same thing! It is so important for kids who face challenges in life to feel a sense of normalcy and belonging. I can’t ever thank the Biondo Foundation enough for all the hard work you do to help our kids enjoy their childhood!” Still others have enumerated the many positives of the camping experience: improved listening and communication skills, enhanced ability to follow directions and to get along with others; increased confidence and new social skills, greater strength and self esteem, exposure to different places and new adventures, improved understanding of the value of teamwork and environmental stewardship, opportunities to practice independent living skills with supervision, and without a doubt—just having good old-fashioned fun. The camping program takes place at several regional facilities, which incorporate the same wonderful experiences that kids typically have at camp: G.A.I.T. Therapeutic Riding Center, Blue Mountain Day Camp, Country Ark Farm, Camp Speers-Eljabar, Pocono Environmental Education Center, Camp Nejeda, Camp Lee Mar and Camp Shohola. “The camps really do a terrific job tending to the needs of the children,” says program coordinator Maria Crawford. “They provide a great variety of activities for the children so they get a chance to try something new, and the kids are amazed at their accomplishments. The programs are great and help to boost the kids’ self esteem, confidence and sense of independence. Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback we get, it’s just a great experience.” For additional information about the Ingeborg A. Biondo Memorial Foundation, please visit www.biondofoundation.org. To lend your support and sponsor a child for camp, contact program coordinator, Maria Crawford at 570-686-2402.