Camp Rainbow returns this summer after missing 2020 due to Covid
Press Release, Arc of Genesee Orleans
Provided photo: Jenifer Batt, director of Camp Rainbow, is pictured with camp friends Keira and Jackson during a recent sunny afternoon at the camp in Ridgeway on Townline Road.
RIDGEWAY – Camp Rainbow will be open this summer following a pandemic shutdown that closed the site in 2020 for the first time in 50 years.
Located at 2272 Yates-Carlton Townline Road, Camp Rainbow is a five-week day camp operated by the Arc of Genesee Orleans.
The 2021 season kicks off July 12 and runs through August 13 and each session lasts one week, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camp is open to all children ages 5 – 21 and younger children must have finished their first year of elementary school. Campers over 16 must still be in school to attend.
“Our goal is to run camp as close to a typical camp season as possible, however, I know we will need to make some adjustments due to Covid protocols,” said Jenifer Batt, camp director.
Guidelines are coming from the state and adjustments will be made to meet the guidelines. “I’m predicting an awesome summer camp season,” Batt said.
The camp schedule includes daily participation in arts and crafts, music, nature and science, and athletics programming, under the supervision of a team of enthusiastic camp counselors. The camp nurse is on-site at all times during the camp day.
Two wholesome meals are offered daily at no charge, through the assistance of the Summer Food Service Program offered by the New York State Department of Education. With parental consent, children will enjoy free swim time under the supervision of a certified lifeguard in our beautiful 4-foot in-ground swimming pool.
A number of week-long scholarships are available that include the cost of tuition, meals and transportation for a week of camp. Campers can come for a week, multiple weeks, or the entire five weeks. However, scholarships are for one week only in order to give as many kids as possible the camp experience. Regular cost for camp is $25 a day for tuition and $16 a day for transportation.
Parents can also provide their own transportation to and from camp. Transportation and scholarships are limited so it is important to get applications in soon found on the Camp Rainbow page of the Arc’s website (click here). Applications are due May 21. If you have questions or need assistance with completing or returning the application, please call Jenifer Batt at 585-589-5516 or email jbatt@arcgo.org.
Positions are also available for people looking for a fun and rewarding work experience this summer at Camp Rainbow. Openings are listed on the Arc of Genesee Orleans website (click here).
Camp History – The Shenberger family generously donated the property that is home to Camp Rainbow. They wanted to help create a place where children with disabilities had opportunities for fun and interaction. Volunteers then spent hundreds of hours clearing the land and building the facilities.
While Camp Rainbow was originally designed to meet the needs of children with developmental and/or physical disabilities, it was opened up to all children ages 5 to 21 in 1992. Since that time, Camp Rainbow has encouraged friendships and understanding among all children, promoting integration and inclusion.
