By Tom Jordan
Camp ANCHOR (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation) is run on a 40-acre facility complete with two swimming pools, tennis, paddleball and shuffleboard courts, and a baseball field.
But the key ingredient to Camp ANCHOR's nationally renowned six-week program is not its playground or athletic fields. It has little to do with pomp and circumstance, and everything to do with the 156 paid counselors and 209 student volunteers who are working there this summer. The fruit of their labor can be measured by the smiles on the campers' faces.
"The enthusiasm the volunteers show is incredible," said Joe Lentini, Camp ANCHOR coordinator and a resident of Rockville Centre. Many of the campers are also village residents, and Lentini estimates that as many as one-third of all staff hails from RVC.
"These kids actually work about seven hours a day," Lentini said. "They get on the bus with the campers every morning and ride the bus home with them. Their day starts at about 9 in the morning and finishes at about 4 in the afternoon."
In addition to on-site activities, there are also field trips. Camp ANCHOR members will visit amusement parks and restaurants this summer, and the counselors will be responsible for the well-being of the campers.
It's a big job, but one worth the effort.
Kevin Richman, a June graduate of South Side High School, was starting his first year as a group aid after three years as a volunteer. It was at South Side that he began working with students in the special education program. He works with some of the same students at Camp ANCHOR.
"This is the best thing I've ever done," said Richman, who will continue his work in special education at Syracuse University in the fall. "Some days are tougher than others. Some days they don't want to listen to you, and it's hot or whatever. But then you look around you, at what's going on. It's so rewarding. Nothing beats it."
Christa Papalia, back at Camp ANCHOR for a sixth consecutive summer; Lizzy Hirsch , in her eighth year at the camp and Michael Brennan, starting his ninth, are all familiar faces to Richman. Papalia has joined the swimming and diving team, and Hirsch especially enjoys the arts and crafts program.
Brennan expressed an affinity for relaxing at the camp's beach and eating lunch. "I want a dark tan," he said simply, adding that he has a tremendous amount of friends at Camp ANCHOR. Richman is one of them.
"Hey, Rockville Centre!" Richman shouted when he saw Brennan, drawing another smile.
