Camp Ahwaga Awareness Day will be recognized on Friday, April 29. Wear a “Cap for Camp” and give a $1.00 donation.
Camp Ahwaga, a recently incorporated non-profit, has been servicing children with disabilities in Tioga County for over 30 years. The six-week summer camp provides an educational environment and recreational activities. The goal is to have children maintain the academic and social progress they make throughout the school year. The program is free to attend and is held at the Owego Apalachin School facilities.
In recent years, they have been able to service between 85 and 90 kids each summer (and we always have a waiting list). The campers enjoy academic classes, arts and crafts, PE, swimming and field trips. Campers also participate in speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy if necessary.
In addition, some of the older campers have “jobs” at the camp to learn life skills such as completing applications, the interview process, and the responsibility of completing their daily tasks. The “workers” are then rewarded with a special trip at the end of the summer. All campers look forward to the annual talent show. They spend time preparing for it and on the last day they perform for their friends and family to close out the summer.
High school students from around the county volunteer their summers to work with the campers. In 2015, Camp Ahwaga had over 20 volunteers who logged over 2,400 hours of community service. Many of these volunteers are later employed by Camp and pursue a college degree in an educational related field of study.
In order to continue to provide these great services to our children, Camp Ahwaga needs your help. Camp can only operate and accept children based on how much funding they are able to secure each year. This year we are faced with increased minimum wage and higher insurance costs.
On April 29, they are inviting all Tioga County schools, businesses and residents to wear a “Cap for Camp” and give a $1.00 donation to their organization. Wear your favorite or most outrageous hat on April 29 and send your donation and show your support for children with disabilities in Tioga County.
In addition to “Caps for Camp” day, the Kathy Hansen School of Dance is putting on a benefit on Sunday, May 1 at the Owego Apalachin Middle School. Performers include the Kathy Hansen School of Dance Competitve Team, Rick Pedro on piano, the Binghamton University Dance Team, singer Skylar Jorgensen from Tioga Center High School, and a group of Camp Ahwaga children singing the Camp Song. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be available. Tickets can be purchased at the door. It is $5.00 per person or $20.00 per family.
You can find more information about Camp Ahwaga online at campahwaga.org. Donations can be sent to Camp Ahwaga, P.O. Box 3, Owego, N.Y. 13827.
