Camp Rainbow closes out summer of fun

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 9 August 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Dakota Morris, 7, of Holley swings at Camp Rainbow in Ridgeway on Friday, the last day of a five-week camp season.

Camp Rainbow is owned and operated by The Arc of Orleans County. There were 82 campers at the site this summer, enjoying swimming, special events, music, arts and crafts, nature study, sign language, cooperative games and athletics.

Makkiah Morris, 6, of Holley dribbles a soccer ball. He is the younger brother of Dakota.

The camp is open to children with and without disabilities. About 20 percent of the campers have developmentally disabilities and 30 percent have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. About half of the campers have no disabilities.

“We’re totally integrated,” said Pattie Kepner, the camp director.

Kennedi Howerton, 8, of Albion gets ready to hit a whiffle ball thrown by Dylan DeSmit, a member of the Arc staff.

James Trembley of Barre has fun on a scooter.

The sand box has been a popular spot during camp. The swimming pool is in the back.

Nick Pifer of Holley can hit the long ball.

The camp counselors share a laugh on Friday during lunch.

The Shenberger family donated property for Camp Rainbow on Townline Road in Lyndonville to offer children with disabilities the opportunity for fun with other children. Volunteers spent hundreds of hours clearing the land and building facilities.

The summer day camp was founded in 1970.

The property not only serves campers, but is available for other camps, retreats and functions.