The Journal-Register
MEDINA —
The Camp Rainbow Fund, which inherited its new name six months ago from the former Journal-Register Camp Fund, continued this summer to do good work on behalf of children in Orleans County. A total of $5,074 was raised from the public to send boys and girls “into the sunshine of Camp Rainbow,” located on Town Line Road in the northern part of Ridgeway.
“We are thrilled that many long-time supporters and also some newcomers provided donations to send deserving kids to camp,” said Barbara Lehning of Holley and Sandra Tompkins of Medina.
The two are active camp committee members representing the Child Welfare Association of Orleans County, an all-volunteer group. Also on the local camp fund committee are Joycelyn Jennings and Robert E. Waters of Medina.
Donations this season ranged from $5 to $500 and came from individuals, clubs, businesses, churches as well as a loyal group of retired school teachers.
The committee people explained that the name of the annual camp fund was changed early this year due to legal concerns over insured public liability, but they emphasized that the loyalty of the public did not diminish.
“It proves the worthy nature of the program,” said Lehning.
The five-week term of Camp Rainbow has just concluded and the facility enjoyed a banner year with several visitations, including a new observance called “Founders Day.” The day-camp site has undergone major improvements over the past five years and its trim new look was displayed to the public.
Up-grading has included improved cabins and buildings, landscaping, installation of public water lines, work on the swimming pool and the important installation of a new, modern kitchen. This latter improvement came about through a major grant from the Thomas Galisano Foundation.
The camp is owned and operated by Arc of Orleans and Arc director Donald Colquhoun responded to a brief interview, saying that attendance this season averaged just short of 100 children. They arrive each day by bus and are provided with breakfast and lunch. A wide-ranging program is both entertaining and educational. New friendships are a visible benefit for children at camp.
“The camp enjoyed a really fine year and I give all due credit to the top management staff including Director Bob Batt along with John Oakes and Pattie Kepner,” said Colquhoun. “We are proud of camp improvements and are thankful for recent financial support including that of the Lyndonville Foundation.”
A large percentage of children attending Camp Rainbow are those sent through the campaign of the public camp fund.
“The people of Orleans seem to care about the kids, and that is very, very impressive,” concluded Colquhoun.
