GVRC Camp Week 2024
Collin Hayes
The following is a reproduction of an article that I wrote which appeared in the Livingston County News. GVRC is a nonprofit organization classified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The use of the name, image and likeness of GVRC does not constitute an endorsement.
From August 11 through August 17, the Genesee Valley Rotary Camp (GVRC) welcomed 90 campers from Allegany, Livingston, Steuben and Wyoming Counties and the surrounding area to rustic Camp Sam Wood in Pike, NY. This year marked the 61st annual Camp Week for GVRC, which has hosted children and young adults with various disabilities for a week of joy and transformative outdoor experiences since 1963.
“I look forward to Camp Week to arrive each summer. It’s my favorite week of the year, and 2024 was no exception,” said Camp Director Brian Bartalo. “We had another fantastic year at GVRC. The campers, all 90 of them, had a fun-filled week and the sunny warm weather sure helped! GVRC is a special experience that lives up to its motto, ‘Here Is Love.’”
A Week of Discovery and Fun
This year, campers were immersed in our state’s rich cultural and natural heritage, as GVRC embraced the theme “I Love New York.” The theme provided a vibrant backdrop for new experiences; campers learned about the blue bird, New York State’s official bird, and delved into the history of the Iroquois people. The physical education class featured a New York-themed obstacle course, guiding campers through various state regions and imparting interesting facts about each.
Campers were divided into “Upstate” and “Downstate” tribes, sparking friendly competition for “Super Merits,” awarded daily for exceptional participation in activities, which included music, drama, arts and crafts, riflery, archery, fishing, and swimming.
Each evening at Camp brought its own excitement. Monday featured musician Glenn Colton, always a Camp favorite, who performed a new GVRC-themed song. Tuesday’s highlight was an interactive show from PUSH Physical Theater, featuring an improvisational performance inspired by suggestions from the campers. Wednesday was dedicated to fun and games at the Carnival Night, Thursday showcased skits developed by campers in drama class, and Friday night concluded with a lively dance and DJ celebration.
The campers were supported throughout the week by 79 full-time staff and many more volunteers. “GVRC wouldn’t happen without the incredibly dedicated and talented staff we have,” said Bartalo. “They are truly incredible and we owe our success to how hard they work to support and inspire our campers.”
“GVRC 2024 was an amazing week for our campers and staff alike,” said Assistant Camp Director Sarah Warner, reflecting on another of GVRC’s mottos, “‘Everyone Has Potential’ came through loud and clear this year. Campers showed their endless potential front and center, playing piano for the whole camp at skit night, singing at lunch for everyone to hear, racing for the fastest time in the P.E. obstacle course, fishing for the first time, getting a bullseye in riflery or popping a balloon in archery.”
A Celebration of Service
GVRC is a service project sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Avon, Belmont, Cal-Mum, Dansville, Friendship, Geneseo, Lima, Livonia, Mt. Morris, Nunda, Perry, Wayland and Wellsville. The Clubs collaborate with the Camp staff to provide this experience at no cost to the campers.
“We all owe a great deal of gratitude to the Rotary Clubs of the Genesee Valley for providing our community the opportunity to have this amazing Camp,” noted Bartalo.
Midweek, GVRC’s Board of Directors, comprised of Rotarians from the 13 Clubs, gathered at Camp Sam Wood to celebrate the impact of GVRC. In recent years, the Board has honored 21 GVRC staff and supporters with a Paul Harris Fellowship.
This year, the Board recognized two long-time staff members, Bonnie Frank and Sarah Zacharias, as Paul Harris Fellows, celebrating their contributions and dedication to GVRC over the past 27 years. Frank, who has been with GVRC since 1997, operates the “Zen Den,” helping campers to learn healthy strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Zacharias, also with GVRC since 1997, works in the kitchen at Camp and has been instrumental in creating healthy meal options for campers.
Also at the Wednesday gathering, several GVRC staff and supporters presented the Board with donations of funds raised in the past year totaling over $25,000. Among these was a $5,000 check from the “Booty Bikers,” a group of Camp staff who cycled 66 miles from Hamlin Beach to Camp Sam Wood on August 8 to fundraise for GVRC.
Another Successful Camp Week
Looking back on Camp Week, Warner underscored the profound impact of GVRC: “I found myself thinking how much joy and confidence GVRC brings to our campers, this was evident through the endless smiles that campers wore throughout the week. The spirit that shines through at GVRC never ceases to amaze me.”
As GVRC wraps up another successful year, the Camp continues to embody its values of inclusivity, compassion, empowerment, community, collaboration, and gratitude. The experience not only enriches the lives of the campers but also reinforces the GVRC’s commitment to celebrating every individual’s potential and fostering a supportive, loving community. Here’s to many more years of making memories, fostering growth, and spreading joy at the Genesee Valley Rotary Camp
