Posted by Terrence Dalton on Sep 16, 2020
The Rotary Club of Akron welcomed our fellow Rotarian and Rotary Camp Director as our guest speaker during our Tuesday, September 15th Club meeting.  Dan provided fellow Rotarians with an update on what is happening at camp, the impact of COVID-19 and shared ways we can provide support to the camp. Click here view the video presentation.
 
For readers who don’t know much about Dan, let me share a little about him.  Dan started his YMCA career as a camp counselor at Rotary Camp in 1995. In 1999 he became the director at Akron Rotary Camp.  Under his leadership camp has grown from serving 200 campers each summer to over 1800 throughout the year.  In addition to program growth, Akron Rotary Camp has completed over $5million in capital improvements over the past eight years. In 2014 Dan’s leadership role expanded to provide leadership to the Camp Y-Noah team. Today, Dan’s current title is District Executive Director working with Rotary Camp and Camp Y-Noah and the branch day camps. 
 
He earned a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Slippery Rock University. He is a member of the American Camp Association (ACA), served on their National Standards Commission for seven years and is the current co-chair of the Standards Committee for ACA, Ohio. Dan also serves on the YMCA of the USA Overnight Camping Cabinet. 
 
The newest feature of the camp is the Bud Rogers Adventure Park.  The Adventure Park allows individuals living with a disability the opportunity to experience the thrills that were previously unavailable to them. The park was constructed by Adventure Experiences out of Texas.  The cost for the adventure park was approximately $315,000.  Individual Rotarians interested in experiencing the adventure park are encouraged to contact the camp staff to arrange a time.  Due to the current pandemic, social distancing will be required.  To view more information about the Adventure Park, please view the recording of today’s presentation.
 
This year’s camping experience was drastically reduced but staff were able to hold several weeks of camping experiences with many adjustments, reduced campers, etc.  The camp will resume respite this weekend. 
 
Financially, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the budget.  A number of action steps have been taken to control costs and maximize available revenues. 
 
Some current updates include:
  • The Camp Regatta has been postponed until 2022.
  • The Cornhole tournament held last weekend will provide approximately $10,000 in revenue
  • The camp will be initiating some Family Events for campers
  • Camper backpacks will be filled shortly
  • Partnership with the Super Learning Center will continue
  • Preparing for a modified 2021 Summer camp experience
  • Beginning strategic planning for the 100th anniversary in 2024 of the camp

How can Rotarians help the camp staff?

  • Help with the 31st Annual Chili Open
  • Participate in volunteer opportunities
  • Share the Rotary Camp Story – come for a tour, bring a friend
  • Support donations through Amazon Smiles, Facebook campaigns, etc.
  • Coming soon  -- Buy a Brick campaign

 
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