Senator Akshar endorses new and existing programs at Lions Camp Badger

Spend a little time at Lions Camp Badger, and you know you’ve been somewhere special. Located in the peaceful, pristine hills of Spencer, this camp offers one and two-week overnight programs for teenagers and adults with special needs. Camp Badger is a little known gem that is rapidly gaining in popularity in the area and across the state.

Senator Fred Akshar recently spent a morning touring the facilities and speaking with campers, staff and parents who are part of the Lions Camp Badger family.  He was impressed by what he saw.  

Akshar stated, “Those with developmental disabilities deserve the same opportunities as those without. The hardworking staff at Lions Camp Badger ensures those opportunities are alive and well.”

The dedicated staff members at Lions Camp Badger form the framework from which campers can be successful. “We try to fit the program to the camper, and not the other way around,” explains camp director Pat Gillule, adding, “It’s not a ‘one size fits all’ approach.”  

Personnel at camp consist mostly of college students, teachers and a small administrative team. Counselor Adam Park, who has been working at Lions Camp Badger for the past three years, stated, “Camp is an amazing experience, not just for the campers, but also the counselors. I’ve learned more about myself and life from the campers than I have from anywhere else.”

Campers enjoy a wide range of activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, arts and crafts, music, vocational activities, sports, nature and special events.  Many campers receive scholarships to offset the cost of attending camp.  Community members and businesses often volunteer their time and talents to create fun and memorable experiences for everyone. During the summer, campers enjoyed activities sponsored by Owego Gymnastics, Spencer Fire Department/EMS, Tri-County Bow Hunters, Bookmobile, Spencer Youth League Field Hockey and the Waverly Library.

New for the 2018 summer season will be an additional weeklong program for campers ages 13 to 17 who have emotional or behavioral disabilities. This program will offer relaxation activities, teambuilding, yoga, problem-solving, and therapeutic art, music, and drama programs.   

“There are not enough services out there to help guide these teens toward life choices that will positively support them,” said Gillule. “Overnight camp is one of the few environments that can offer a fresh start, where an individual can be encouraged to try out a new form of thinking or behavior with no strings attached. Campers are free to explore new coping techniques and mindsets, decide what works for them, and apply it to their lives back home. This can be very empowering.”

Also new will be expanded age programming for individuals with developmental disabilities. Campers as young as 12 through 55 and older will have the opportunity to attend Lions Camp Badger. This insures that recreational opportunities will be available for individuals of all ages. It also offers up to two weeks of valuable respite time for family members and caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge.

Additional information about camp programs and sign-up information for the camp mailing list can be found at www.lionscb.org. It is recommended that potential new campers begin signing up now, as space will fill quickly.

By the end of Senator Akshar’s tour, it was clear that Lions Camp Badger had captured his heart.  

“My advocacy at the state level will always be to ensure we are fulfilling our moral obligation of providing the basic of human services to all New Yorkers,” said Akshar.  

At that, he warmly shook the hands of each of the campers. Embracing the camp philosophy, Senator Akshar focused on their abilities versus their challenges. “Work hard and dream big,” he advised them. “Dream as big as you can, and you can accomplish anything!”