Operated by the Empire State Special Needs Experience, Inc.
Hello everyone! My name is Pat Gillule, and I am the new director at Lions Camp Badger.
It is an honor and privilege to be part of something this exciting! I look forward to a great summer
and am confident that we will accomplish much, all while having fun in the process!
Camp is no stranger to me, having worked at residential programs for individuals with special
needs for twelve summers. I am returning to this setting after taking a break from it to raise my
family. During the school year, I am also a high school special education teacher. I can think of
nothing more rewarding than spending time with the individuals we serve.
Plans for camp are in full swing, and I am pleased to say that we are almost fully staffed. In
addition to some talented returning counselors, we are bringing new people on board with a lot of
great skills and abilities. Another special education teacher will be assisting me in our
programming efforts. Our aquatics director will be with us full-time, and we added an additional
part-time nurse. Collectively, our staff will be able to offer opportunities such as: Safety-based
swim instruction, karaoke, professional DJ services, nature hikes, arts & crafts, gymnastics,
martial arts, and camp theater. Our nursing staff is exceptional, with two RN’s sharing the camp
season. They bring to the table years of experience at other special needs camps, including
programs for children with chronic illness, multiple special needs, and muscular dystrophy. Our
LPN happens to be a crafter, so she’ll be sharing those talents with our campers. We also hope
to begin a volunteer program, primarily using students from local high schools to partner with
campers as friends and role models.
I am in the process of contacting campers and their families for feedback on what they want out
of camp. I love knowing what they want to learn--because if we can offer it, we will! One camper
surprised me by saying he always wanted to learn how to play field hockey! So plans are
underway for a modified, safer version of the sport that we can try out this summer! I also hope
to incorporate a Club Night a few times a week. Here, campers can choose their interests from
among a few activity choices. They will be encouraged to try new things or enjoy the things they
already love. We also plan to bring back some favorite activities, such as a visit from the local fire
department and a magician.
As of mid-March, over one third of our campers have already registered. Please encourage any
families you know to get their applications in as soon as possible.
Phone (607) 589-4800
Fax (607) 589-6181
725 LaRue Road, Spencer, NY 14883
www.lionscb.org
A project of the
Lions, Lioness and LEOs of New York & Bermuda
Phone (800) 232-7060
[email protected]