Senator Flanagan Recognized For His Work On Behalf Of New York Camps

Mamaroneck, New York (October, 19 2005) – At the 50th Anniversary celebration of The New York State Camp Directors Association (NYSCDA), Senator John J. Flanagan was recognized forhis work on behalf of New York camps and the children they serve. NYSCDA consists of non-profit and for profit camp directors, vendors and other business associates in the camping industry.

Senator Flanagan waspresented with S.C.O.P.E. camperships (scholarships) for under-privileged children inhis district to attend an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited camp. S.C.O.P.E. (Summer Camp Opportunities Provide an Edge) is a program of the ACA New York Section that was founded by private and non-profit New York State Camp Directors in 1991. Since its inception, S.C.O.P.E. has served 6,334 needy New York children.

“Summer camps across New York State offer fabulous recreational opportunities and beneficial learning experiences for children. The New York State Camp Directors Association should be highly commended for its 50 years of work which have afforded many children the chance to get in touch with nature, have fun, and foster a spirit of friendship that will help broaden their knowledge and strengthen their character,” said Senator John J. Flanagan (R,C-East Northport).

“Given the multiple benefits of a constructive camping experience, programs like S.C.O.P.E. are irreplaceable,” said Jay Jacobs, one of S.C.O.P.E.’s founders and director of Timber Lakes Camps. “Camping is a unique educational and recreational experience that enriches the lives of children by promoting self-esteem, confidence, and a variety of social skills. S.C.O.P.E. makes camp accessible to the children who need it most.”

In 2004, the ACA completed the largest study on camping ever conducted in the United States. The study – Directions: Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience – provides compelling evidence that camp is a significant force in positive youth development. The research found that children who attend camp demonstrate growth in four domains: Positive Identity, Social Skills, Physical and Thinking Skills, and Positive Values and Spirituality. Furthermore, follow-up studies six months later determined that much of this growth was maintained. For more information on this study please go to (www.acacamps/research.org).

NYSCDA’s past presidents are pioneers in the camping industry and as part of the celebration several of them were honored for their leadership:

Jordan Dale: Surprise Lake Camp, Cold Spring, NY
Arthur Fishelman: Trade Winds Lake Camp, INC., Windsor, NY
David Fleischner: Camp Scatico, Elizaville, NY
Jay Jacobs: Timber Lake, Glen Cove and Shandaken, NY
Timber Lake West, Glen Cove and Roscoe, NY
Karen Meltzer: Brant Lake Camp, Brant Lake, New York
Steve Schainman: Mohawk Day Camps, White Plains, NY
Ruth Wortman: Baco Che-Na-Wah, Minerva, NY

“This organization has really set the gold standard for camping,” said Bob Wortman, immediate past president of NYSCDA and director of Camp Baco Che-Na-Wah in Minerva, NY. “NYSCDA is committed to the safety and well-being of our campers and has worked hard to realize this commitment through public policy and its business practices.”

“The New York State Camp Directors Association was built on the hard work and dedication of each one of our past presidents. On behalf of the children we serve, we thank them for their tireless efforts in advancing the values and principles of our organization,” said Doug Volan, president of NYSCDA and director of Mount Tom Day Camp.