Planning for the Future of Camp Fairlee
Capital Projects
Over the years, Easterseals has improved its facilities to meet the increase in demand and successfully address various campers’ physical needs. We are now at a juncture where additional investments are needed to ensure a strong future. Planning for Camp Fairlee’s future includes investment in two initiatives: The first of four sensory-friendly cabins; and the 60-year-old pool, pump house, and pool house will be demolished and reconstructed.
The total cost of these initiatives is $2,625,000. We have secured $1,695,889 in funding commitments, leaving us with $929,111 to secure in the final stretch.
After 60 years of memories created in our current pool, the new aquatic facility includes a pool, pump house, and pool house. The project will be complete for campers to enjoy in time for next summer. This state-of-the-art aquatic area will create
a pool that is accessible with a zero-entry ramp, rails, a chair lift, a soft-deck transfer station designed for safety, and a lanai for protection from the sun—ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience that is essential for our campers’ physical and mental health.
Camping and swimming are synonymous with summer and critical to a successful camp experience. At Camp Fairlee, these activities are accessible, beneficial, and fun for people of all ages and abilities. For people with disabilities, providing a recreational swimming program is a worthwhile investment in their physical and mental health. Swimming helps improve motor skills and coordination, heart and lung health, muscle strength, increases flexibility, and is fun. For many of our campers, it is their only opportunity to swim. Camp Fairlee has had thousands of children and adults look forward to enjoying pool activity on a summer day.
Sensory-Friendly Cabins
The construction of the first of four future cabins is currently underway. These cabins will vary from the current design (communal bunkrooms) to accommodate campers requiring more intense physical, sensory, or behavioral support. Small group rooms within the cabin will provide sleeping quarters for 4-6 people, including campers and staff, housing approximately 20-24 people. Limiting the numbers in any single room reduces the sensory inputs (sights and sounds) to help ensure that campers will sleep through the night.
For those campers who need more intense support to accommodate their
physical needs, some rooms will include specially designed beds to ensure safety and comfort for sleeping. Overhead lifts will be installed to assist with transfers to and from wheelchairs. A changing room with an adjustable height mat table and overhead lift will provide safe transfer for personal care and shower prep. The shower room will include specific equipment designed for campers who need full support.
The addition of sensory-friendly cabins allows Easterseals to fulfill our mission by providing a more accessible camp setting for everyone who wants to experience camp.
P a r t n e r s h i p s t h a t m a t t e r .
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