A Tale of Two Campers
Camp Baker in Chesterfield appeals to the kid in everyone- whatever their age
CHESTERFIELD, Va. ( April 12, 2013 )– At first glance, you wouldn’t think Brett Hampton and William “Buddy” Strasser would have much in common. Brett is 15 years old, and Buddy is 66. Buddy loves swimming; Brett doesn’t.
But both enjoy attending Camp Baker overnight for a week or two during the summer. Part of The Greater Richmond ARC, Camp Baker is a 22-acre wooded retreat providing activities and fun for individuals with developmental disabilities ages five and up.
Regular activities at camp include swimming in Camp Baker’s own staff-supervised pool, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and nature walks.
There’s also a weekly talent show where Brett, who is diagnosed with autism and a mild intellectual disability, brought down the house last year by concluding his song with Elvis’ “thank you. Thank you very much.”
Camp Baker also gives family caregivers the peace of mind “to know that my child is being cared for and loved,” added Brett’s mom Mary. “The most important thing about Camp Baker is that Buddy loves it,” his sister Barbara said. “It is a very great source of enjoyment to him.”
“If Buddy didn’t have Camp Baker, it would be catastrophic. It is that important.”
Overnight camp for 2013 is scheduled as follows:
June 16-June 21, 2013 (ages 18 and over)
June 23-June 28, 2013 (ages 18 and over)
June 30-July 5, 2013 (ages 18 and over)
July 7-July 12 (ages 18 and over)
July 14-July 19 (ages 18 and over)
July 21-July 26 (ages 18 and over)
July 28- August 2 (ages 18 and over)
August 4-August 9 (ages 5-17)
August 11-August 16 (ages 5-17)
Cost per session is $800 or 120 Medicaid waiver respite hours.
Camp Baker also provides programs year-round and a day camp during the summer. For more information, call(804) 748-4789 or visit www.richmondarc.org
About The Greater Richmond ARC
In partnership with families, the Greater Richmond ARC creates life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. We are an organization created by families, for families; an organization that has grown to provide a continuum of programs and services for individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan. The Greater Richmond ARC provides a variety of innovative services and programs designed to meet the needs of our clients and their families. Services spanning the lifecycle and assisting people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to live happy, successful and meaningful lives include: Infant & Child Development Services; After School & Day Support Services; ARC Industrial Services; and Camp Baker Services, a full service respite and camp facility. Licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Camp Baker is also accredited by the American Camping Association.
