Conestoga Valley townlively.com
JULY 14, 2021
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LVII • NO 30
Touching Lives With Joy Aaron’s Acres Holds Live And Virtual Camps
County Treasures: Partnership Promotes Local Heritage
screen (at virtual camp),” reported Paskoff, who encouraged staff and visitors to wear their Aaron’s Acres yellow T-shirts because she knew the color would comfort campers. “While the activities were going on, staff members would call a name and say, ‘Pick that up to show it. It’s beautiful.’” Virtual activities included cooking, scavenger hunts, bingo, and singing. “It was better than we ever thought,” said Paskoff. Touch-point activities included surprise fall and spring visits to campers’ homes. Dressed in their Aaron’s Acres blue and yellow gear, the five members of the administrative team used the organization’s van to bring each child a special gift. Parents also received hot chocolate in the fall and the makings of ice cream sundaes in the spring. Burnett called ahead, asking parents to send the child to the door when the bell rang. “We wanted it to be a surprise,” said Paskoff. “(Each camper was) so excited that Aaron’s Acres was at their house.” More information about Aaron’s Acres may be found at www.aaronsacres.org.
Aaron’s Acres campers enjoy the Manheim Community pool each weekday morning during the six weeks camp is held.
HOHC: New Location, Same Life-Affirming Mission
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Veritas Academy . . . . . . . .2
BY ANN MEAD ASH
In the last five years, the ministry originally known as House of His Creation (HOHC) and briefly called Family of Restoration Ministries (FORM), has been through a number of changes. After becoming FORM in 2016, the ministry moved from Lititz Pike to the Brickerville area, but as of late 2019, the name had reverted to HOHC, and in February 2021, the ministry moved to the site of a former bed-andbreakfast at 301 N. Broad St., Lititz.
BY ANN MEAD ASH
Debbie Saylor, curator for the Blue Rock Heritage Center, believes that she and Blue Rock president Charlie Douts bring together the expertise needed to preserve Washington Boro area history. “My specialty is Native American (cultures), but Charlie knows local history, so it’s a good partnership,” she said.
Meals On Wheels Seeks Volunteers . . . . . . .3
Puppy Raisers Needed . . .6
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .11
See HOHC pg 4
House of His Creation staff (from left) Michelle Gibbs, Matthew Neff, and Callie Neff are ready to welcome clients at their new location in Lititz.
See County Treasures pg 8
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“It’s so good to be back (at camp) in person,” said Aaron’s Acres executive director Risa Paskoff. During 2020, Aaron’s Acres held virtual camp for 50 campers, but this year, six weeks of weekday summer camp are being held at the Manheim Community Pool and Memorial Park, along with a two-week virtual camp. The camp has programs for children, adolescents, and adults ages 5 to 21 with developmental disabilities. Camp began June 21, and twoweek sessions will be held through Friday, Aug. 6, with the exception of the week that began on July 5 because of the holiday. Paskoff explained that when the organization asked the state for approval to run the camp, COVID-19 restrictions were more stringent, including wearing masks and COVID-19 testing for those who had not been vaccinated. “They are lighter now,” said Paskoff on the second day of camp. She added that the number of campers was limited by restrictions as well. “We would normally
have 80 campers at each session, but we had to cut back, so we only have 30,” she said. Calling the in-person camps “basic,” Paskoff explained that sessions are held each weekday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In the morning, campers use the pool in Manheim or take part in therapeutic horseback riding at Greystone Stables in Leola. In addition to swimming, activities include group games, crafts, snacks, and music therapy. Special events will include visits from Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary, a petting zoo, an entertainer, and more. “(These are) all activities we can have here (at Manheim),” said Paskoff, who noted that the 1-to-2 child-to-staff ratio is still in effect, and a nurse is on site. “Every child who wants to come can come, and we can meet that child’s needs,” Paskoff stated. In the spring of 2020, when parents reported that children were having a hard time adjusting to school being closed, Paskoff and program director Elaine Burnett worked to create meaningful virtual and touch-point experiences for campers. “We had 50 kids on the
House Of Worship . . . . . .16
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BY ANN MEAD ASH