‘process,’ part one.

So, we’re off to a good start. One day, $25. And I’m very excited about this.

Here’s the first agency in conjunction with this whole continuing the ‘process’ campaign that I’d like you to meet. It’s the Woodlands Foundation. They’re doing a lot of really great things for people with disabilities in the North Hills.

PayPal me or e-mail me (or just read here) to find out how to donate. I’m accepting donations until December 20.

Let’s show Pittsburgh Cares that Pittsburgh cares!

The Woodlands Foundation:
Summer camp with an extra special twist

The agenda for a day of summer camp sounds pretty standard: Swimming, building birdhouses, music instruction, with maybe a little basketball thrown in just for fun.

But summer camp is anything but normal for campers at the Woodlands Foundation, which hosts both youth and adult campers with special needs ranging from chronic illness to mental or physical disabilities.

The Foundation also hosts weekend retreats, social gatherings, and wellness and fitness activities throughout the year.

“A lot of times, there’s not a lot of activities out there for people in wheelchairs,” said Jill Antosz, the Foundation’s manager of staffing and volunteers. “Some of the younger campers attend a typical school and don’t get to see other kids with disabilities. It’s nice for them to get together so they can see that they’re not alone.”

Antosz said the facility, located in the Wexford area, hosts age-specific weeklong summer camp opportunities for kids, youth, and adults, aimed at a wide variety of interests. For some of the older youth, the camp hosts a sports camp, a creative arts camp, and a music camp, each of which enroll 48 campers per week. The adults can learn independent living skills or attend a sports camp of their own.

“We like to bring in local talent to our camps,” Antosz said. “Some of our music instructors are from local colleges. We had a concert with a professional violinist at one of our music camps. And our sports camp is named after (former Pittsburgh Pirate great) Bill Mazeroski.”

While most of the camp’s staff is paid, due to the extent of the personal and hygiene needs of the campers, the volunteers that help out really have an opportunity to make an impact.

“A lot of our sports camp volunteers become referees,” Antosz said. “Some are in there pushing wheelchairs across the grass. Or they might be helping them when playing baseball, catching the ball and handing it to the camper who can then throw it to second base. Music camp volunteers help keep the beat or assist in playing the tambourine.”

And while it isn’t cheap for a family to send a special-needs camper to camp – Antosz said the average cost is $200 per week per camper – the Foundation offers assistance, takes sponsorships from area businesses, and does everything in its power to help campers enjoy a week of fun.

“We never turn families away,” Antosz said. “Obviously our operations cost is more than 200 dollars per week, but we try to not put a financial burden on the families. … The kids and adults love it. They make new friends and meet new people every summer. It’s their little home away from home.”

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