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Image provided by: Chappaqua Library
ON HIS WAY to join fellow campers in an impromptu song- iest along the stone wall, for a swim in the large free-form pool with its ramped walk and rail ings, for a game in the rain- protected area beneath the din ing room of the administration center pictured in the distance. What can't be seen here, is the eager anticipatory smile of a growing boy who is one of the_ gang. Tender Lovin Care Invisible, but omnipresent, Is this philosophy of one of the nation's most unusual Summer camps and it's right here in West chester. Operated by the Children's A'd Society, of New York, Wagon Road Camp in Chappaqua will this Summer provide outdoor, fun-filled and healing activities for over 160 Westchester and New York area children suffering from conditions which of varying degrees handi cap them physically. A gayer, brighter place is difficult to find. Gather together any group of youngsters, eight through 15. Place them in a setting of tall trees, tepees, feather headdresses, swimming pool, baseball diamond, archery range, self-created music and drama, hikes, camp- fire councils at dusk, and a legendary noble Indian chief who de scends from the guarding hills, silently and alwavs protectively. What can result but laughter and joy? None but the visitor seems aware of crutches and braces at swimming pool edge, ramps replacing all steps, the unusually large proportion of counselors to the 55 children attending each three- week camping period. Most of the counselors are college students All are thoroughly cognizant of unusual responsibilities. This is well concealed, except for the fact their eyes appear to be everywhere at once, and the casually proffered hand is at the right place at the right time. Another evidence of the unusual nature of this camp is the at titude of the children. Despite their youth, there is a unique amount of assistance extended by one to another, given and accepted spon taneously. Camps for the handicapped are a growing concern across the nation. Wagon Road Camp is believed to be the first in the East, and one of the few in the country specifically designed and con structed for children of physical limitations. Others are camps that have been adapted to such purposes. An extension of the Society's Elizabeth Milbank Anderson Con valescent Home, the camp was established in 1956 on 70 wooded acres. This summer, for the first time, Wagon Road Camp is housing 30 children referred by the Westchester Society for Crippled Child ren and Adults. Michael Lenzi is director of the Home and super vising director of the camp. George Zuydhoek of Pleasantville is director of the camp. For more than 100 years, the Children's Aid Society has carried help, directly and promptly, to children wherever and whenever it is needed. Among its provisions are health and foster care services, neighborhood centers, family counseling, individual counseling and employment service. In these and other aspects of the overall program, many Westchester organizations and individuals are active participant?.. \IT'S GOING right in the bull's eye,\ boasts Raymond Rinaldi, drawing a careful bow before the skeptical eye of Ricky Val- anelli. The campers spend as much time outdoors as weather permits, occasionally sleeping m tents under the protective e>e of that guarding Indian chief who has been glimpsed but fleeting- ly. They eagerly welcome pro fessional and semi-professional entertainers. Text by Eleanor Ney Staff Photos by Warren Inglese INSIGNIA of the camp is the old covered wagon in which two more fortunate campeis are privileged to take their two-hour post-lunch rest periods each day, on a rotation basis. The musician is Timothv Murray performing for the admiration of Christine Reid, left, and Rachel Merko- witz. The campers need more hoaaaresst's, deer skins and other Indian gear suit ed to evening gatherings about the tepees. \LOOK ON this side for moss,\ Counselor Mark Malin, a student at the Boston Museum of Sine Arts, advises Valerie Church during a nature hike. Specimens of leaves, insects, frogs, flowers, and such are brought back for further study. TWO SWIMMING periods are provided daily for each camper, one an instruction session as pictured, and the other a do- best-as-you-can swim. Water front instructor Joseph Sapere of Yonkers, a Kenyon College student, demonstrates a stroke for Robert Polo, center, and Robert Taylor. CONSTANT CHECK is made of the children's health. An at tractively decorated infirmary af fords bed facilities for those who may incur slight indispositions. Demonstrating lor the photog rapher, Ella Fitzgerald opens her mouth obediently for the tongue depressor held by Miss Shirley Johnston, the staff pub lic health nurse. SELF - HELP is stressed. Each child is encouraged to uti lize every capacity, not only to the fullest, but beyond. Housed in the handsome, modern, mul ti-windowed cabins, * children make their own beds A and as sume many chores. At left, Vir ginia Grant of White Plains, the 1959 Westchester Easter Seal child ; puts clothing storage shelves in order while Linda Ann Brown straightens a pillow. Inhere is daily inspection. Com petition is intense for the honor flag indicating the neatest cab in. MODERN, YET reminiscent of the tepee and Indian lore that are so important a factor of camp life, are the new brown-stained wood cabins with walls of screening, and glass panels in brilliant colors.. Striding along the hard-beaten path beneath the trees are, left to right, An drew Caggia, James Baker, Vito Tassone, and in the rear, Ru dolph Groom. One Of A Series Of Pages Bringing Westchester To You In Pictures
