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Today's meeting was hosted by President-Elect, Michael Burghardt. We welcomed 3 guests: Alyssa Pecorino, Director of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck; Luke Blanton, "Super Camper" (and grandson of Al K.); and Patrick Barry, Patchogue Rotarian and member of Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck's Board of Directors. Many announcements were made (see NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS below), but the following bares repeating here: NEXT WEEK'S MEETING, 10/6, WILL BE IN-PERSON, TAKING PLACE OUTDOORS AT CAFE SPIGA AT NOON. After the announcements, Alyssa reviewed for us how this past summer's camp season went. Considering that it took place in the time of Covid-19, the overall feeling was that this was as successful an undertaking as it could possibly be. It was a combination of virtual and in-person camping, with the first 6 weeks being virtual. During the remainder of the season, campers attended, wore masks, and were placed in small groups or teams, following Covid social-distancing rules, and participated in many of the usual popular camping activities. There was one flat fee for campers, and over 70 people signed up. Alyssa also announced that the camp will be offering a Respite Program, on Saturdays from 9 AM -8 PM. This program, offering in-person visits for socially-distant groups of 15 campers in a safe environment, will undoubtedly be quite popular with the youngsters involved as well as with their parents. Luke, a 20 year old who Alyssa referred to as a favorite "super camper", was happy to tell us how much he loves the camp and the whole camping experience. Among his favorite activities: Piano Man, arts & crafts (making giant bubbles), and, best of all, being with friends. (Luke's mom told us that she thought that the camp's program was unbelievable and should have cost more, as the entire experience, which includes parent support groups, has been invaluable.) Luke continued his list of favorite scheduled activities: karaoke nights, theater and movie nights, etc. He pointed out that there is so much love in the camp and emphasized that one can be put at ease being with friends there. Alyssa told us that in March and April, some families did report difficulty with virtual camping, as the campers couldn't engage on screen successfully. The Director tries to keep in touch with campers and their families all year round, and tries to adapt programs and activities to their interests. Her hope, of course, is to be able to transition from occasional virtual to full-time regular camping as soon as possible. Alyssa reminded us that the camp is an expensive but necessary undertaking, so different sorts of fundraising activities must go forward and be successful. A matching gift campaign will roll out soon. Meanwhile, we are invited to buy- in support of the camp- attractive camp articles such as shirts, sweatpants, and the like, all with the camp logo. The Blantons, Luke's parents, thanked the Port Jeff and other Rotary clubs for allowing and helping the camp to survive in these hard times, to succeed, and to make such a difference. |
