Web site expands foundation outreach

MILFORD - With spring just weeks away, can summer camping season be far behind? At this time of year, seeds are busily being sown for the Ingeborg A. Biondo Memorial Foundation’s summer camping program for children with special challenges. The Biondo Foundation continues to expand its tri-state outreach with the addition of Blue Mountain Day Camp and the launch of a new Web site (www.biondofoundation.org). “The Web site not only contains information about The Biondo Foundation, but summer campers’ applications, respite care applications and scholarship applications can be downloaded from the site as well. Supporters can even make their donations online now,” said Maria Crawford, development coordinator of The Biondo Foundation. Blue Mountain Day Camp is located on the shores of beautiful Fairview Lake in Stillwater, N.J. Focusing on fostering positive values and building self-esteem, the camp staff is committed to making each child’s experience enjoyable. Accredited by the American Camping Association, Blue Mountain Day Camp offers traditional summer camp experiences, specialty programs like sailing, riding, fine arts, sports, canoeing, rock climbing and hiking. Also new this year is a unique opportunity for families to camp in a newly built cabin or yurt (a round, tent-like structure) at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) during the Foundation’s Family Camp Weekend, from April 27-29. Campers will be treated to a weekend camping experience with their families that will include traditions like arts and crafts, campfires and swimming. They will also enjoy a variety of environmental activities and programs on such topics as pond and forest ecology, birds of prey, bats and survival. In addition to Blue Mountain Day Camp and PEEC, the following camps provide unforgettable experiences for campers supported by The Biondo Foundation: Country Ark Farm in Milford, Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA in Dingmans Ferry, Camp Nejeda (for kids with Diabetes) in Stillwater, N.J., Camp Lee Mar in Lackawaxen and Camp Shohola for Boys in Greeley. A living legacy The Biondo Foundation was created by Joseph R. Biondo, principal of Biondo Investment Advisors of Milford, Pa., as a living memorial to his wife, Ingeborg A. Biondo, whose life ended abruptly in 1979 in an automobile accident. Mother, wife, friend and children’s advocate, Inga’s life was defined by her passion for her four children and her desire to help children with special needs. Established as a small program providing camp funding for a few children with physical, neurological or developmental challenges, the Foundation’s camping program has seen consistent growth and now underwrites the cost for many children from the tri-state region of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey to experience summer camp. Joe and his wife, Ronnie, work with the foundation board to bring together children, with and without special needs, in a camp setting where each can learn about the other. The Biondos are proud to see The Biondo Foundation grow in its ability to provide special children and their families with the joyful experience of summer camp. “Last year, 97 children attended regional summer camps through the program. It’s a privilege for us to provide the opportunities for these life-enriching experiences,” said Ronnie Biondo. Additional opportunities The foundation sponsors a year-round Respite Care Program providing caregivers and family members with restorative time. This funding has helped local families realize time off to tend to their own needs. In addition, the Foundation has instituted an educational scholarship to assist those individuals seeking to further their expertise in the field of special education. The foundation also supports other local programs like GAIT, a therapeutic horseback riding center for special needs adults and children. Another Foundation beneficiary is the Center for Developmental Disabilities (CDD) whose goal is to make the world more welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities. For more information, or to sponsor a child for camp, contact Maria Crawford at 570-686-2402 or visit www.biondofoundation.org.