Kamp for Kids Holds Welcome Day Celebration

July 27, 2022
Kamp for Kids Logo

Kamp for Kids recently held its annual Welcome Day celebration with families and community members in attendance celebrating 47 years of Kamp! Kampers put on a variety of wonderful and creative performances and displayed artwork. Located at Camp Togowauk in Westfield, Kamp provides children with and without disabilities the opportunity to express themselves through arts and crafts, non-competitive sports, and performing arts.

According to Program Director Anne Benoit, "One of the best things about being part of Kamp for Kids is the community connection. This program is a communal effort between BHN, Department of Developmental Services (DDS), legislators, local agencies, generous funders, staff, and families. Nearly 50 years ago, Kamp for Kids was started by a group of community members to provide an inclusive experience for children. Today that concept still prevails and that goes to show that when we work together anything is possible."


Welcome Day had special guests including Jerry Scott, Director of the DDS, Urban Youth Collaborative Program (UYCP). Many of the Kamp staff members are interns through this program.


“DDS has supported Kamp for Kids for many years because of the special relationships that develop between campers and interns. We want to thank BHN's great staff, the parents who send their children to Kamp, and of course the interns who provide love and support to the campers”. Thank you for partnering with UYCP,” said Scott.


Kamp parent, Dawn Audet also spoke at the event and expressed her gratitude for the program, "This camp has given both my children and myself the gifts of knowledge, appreciation, and friendship that will be with us for the rest of our lives."


Thank you to our community partners for helping make this year's Welcome Day a success! 

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    Kampers and counselors enjoy a special connection!

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    BHN Sr. Program Manager, Brian Ross and BHN VP, Sue West

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    Remarks from Jerry Scott, DDS/UYCP.

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    Remarks from Kamp for Kids parent, Dawn Audet.

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    Front Row: Jerry Scott, DDS/UYCP, Roger Anderson, former BHN Senior Program Manager, Sarah Hunter, DDS/DESE Program Coordinator II, DDS Central/West Regional Office


    Back Row: Susan West, BHN VP, Joan Corell, long time Kamp supporter, Lauri Lavell, Westfield Bank VP

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    Sabrina's awesome perfomance!

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    Fantastic musical performance from Vinne!

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