{"id":5305,"date":"2013-02-25T05:00:32","date_gmt":"2013-02-25T13:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/?p=5305"},"modified":"2020-12-23T23:40:23","modified_gmt":"2020-12-24T07:40:23","slug":"camp-twin-lakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/camp-twin-lakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Camp Twin Lakes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CampSince its humble beginnings in 1993, Camp Twin Lakes<\/a> has touched the lives of more than 50,000 disabled and sick children. New ventures for this year, its 20th anniversary, ensure that number will continue to grow as camp staff, sponsors, and partners team up to reach more youth. This spring, the camp buzzes with activities, even as the dog days of summer draw near.<\/p>\n

Since 1993, Camp Twin Lakes has offered weekend and week-long camp excursions for young Georgians with disabilities and serious illnesses. Set against the forested backdrop of Winder, Rutledge, and Warm Springs, participants are encouraged to develop skills sets that will prepare them for a productive and promising future.<\/p>\n

Over 50 organizations, or camp partners, join forces to form Camp Twin Lakes. Each offers the camp\u2019s participants a wide range of opportunities and activities that foster physical, mental, and social development. Each camp experience is customized for the personal needs of the child attending. Through camp activities, children are encourages to form and meet goals, build confidence, develop friendships and\u2014of course\u2014have loads of fun.<\/p>\n

\u201cKids walk away transformed, especially our campers who come in from the outside world where they feel so different from other kids,” said Audrey McMenamy<\/strong>, grant writer for Camp Twin Lakes.<\/p>\n

“They may be the only child in their class undergoing chemo therapy, or struggle with severe asthma. The camp sessions are arranged for kids with similar conditions so kids don\u2019t feel different, isolated. Together they gain new skills and the walk away with great friendships. They get confidence from trying new things together and not being afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kathy Russell<\/strong>, Communications Manager, noted how quickly the camps help children break through perceived impossibilities. \u201cOur campers face various challenges, and they face limitations on what they can accomplish by their parents, teachers, and sometimes themselves. We remove the limitations in a safe setting: horseback riding, zip lining, things they wouldn\u2019t normally push themselves to do, they can do here with support from counselors and peers. They grow tremendously in their capabilities. The overnight camps also help them develop in their maturity and sense of responsibility. Parents always tell us about how their children have changed over the weekend. Kids come back more motivated and independent, in a good way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Children who are currently hospitalized may also attend camp and reap its benefits. \u201cCamp to Go<\/strong> is great,\u201d says McMenamy. \u201cJust last week I went on a winter weekend camp retreat at a local children\u2019s hospital. We bring camp to the kids. We brought archery to children\u2019s bedside and put paint on the end of Q-tips. They used a straw and blow towards an archery target. We also brought art supplies for them to make jewelry and art while in bed. Just like at camp, we ended the day with smores and a campfire sing-along for those who could join us.\u201d The campfire, a lit display of fabricated logs, was still plenty of fun for everyone.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s the spirit of camp and people get that,\u201d reflects McMenamy.<\/p>\n

Youth aren\u2019t the only ones who benefit from camp excursions. Camp Twin Lakes is also reaching out to adults whose families are affected by disabilities. Family Warrior Weekend<\/strong> welcomes Georgia\u2019s service members who have been wounded or otherwise disabled by the Global War on Terror operations. These wounded warriors and their immediate family members participate in indoor and outdoor recreational activities such as team sports, aquatics, art workshops, and craft making. These outlets allow families to reconnect and strengthen their bond without the daily stresses of household duties. Additionally, counseling services are offered to equip families with adaptation and coping mechanism to ease the challenges faced by readjusting to civilian life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t tell you how important programs like these are,\u201d explains Daniel Willington<\/strong>, a veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. \u201cThey\u2019re especially important for veterans with families. Some vets focus on limitations after we\u2019re injured. Or we don\u2019t have a supportive place to try to gain our strength and skills back.\u201d<\/p>\n

The camps can change that for veterans and their families. \u201cThese camps provide a supportive atmosphere.\u201d Willington has attended other similar camps to rebuild his relationship with his young son and daughter, while also strengthening his self confidence. \u201cConfidence is sometimes the last thing people on the outside think about when you\u2019re dealing with a disability but it really matters the most. Confidence can determine whether you stand up to be a good father to your kids or let your situation get you down.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"CampCamp Twin Lakes programming continues to grow and develop, offering more opportunities for disabled individuals that enrich their lifestyles through personal development. McMenamy couldn\u2019t contain her enthusiasm over the new organic farm at one of the camps. It will eventually serve as a prototype for the other camps.<\/p>\n

\u201cGardening has been one of our campers\u2019 favorite activities. They gather eggs from the hen house and milk from the goats\u2014the love the goats\u2014and there is a little kitchen near the vegetable garden where they can use the herbs and veggies to make pizzas and other meals. There is a cooking class that lets them use the fresh fruits and veggies right from the garden.\u201d<\/p>\n

The project has gone so well that Camp Twin Lakes hired Nathan Fussell<\/strong>, a Farm Fellow who lives on site, to maintain the farm and plan the growth of the program. \u201cHe\u2019s done an exceptional job in the few months that he has been here,\u201d says Russell. \u201cThings are picking up really fast. We\u2019re using the garden and the kitchen as a learning tool, not just a fun activity. Kids these days eat a lot of processed food so it\u2019s good to let kids get their hands dirty, to see that the food comes from the earth. They can reconnect with their food, it source, and experience the best health benefits that food has to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

2013 will also mark the expansion of the paddle board program, which was spearheaded last summer at the Rutledge camp. Participants of all ability levels were able to experience the joys of a waterfront activity. Kids that cannot stand or have the ability to paddle get involved with the assistance of camp counselors. Paddle boarding sessions will soon be available at all three camp sites.<\/p>\n

A child\u2019s ability to attend camp is not determined by financial obligations. Camp Twin Lakes covers 80 percent of camp expenses; remaining expenses can be furnished by scholarships, such as those sponsored by Yardi<\/a>. 15 children were able to attend overnight camps with the aid of Yardi\u2019s sponsorship.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s 15 more kids and can-do attitudes,\u201d says McMenamy. And hopefully, 15 happy and confident smiles.<\/p>\n

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