A small but mighty band of Rotarians were on the road last week, visiting Golden String’s Gabba Camp in Lowellville. Our host, Rotarian Flavio Aiken, grant writer for Golden String (and his son Gino) were our hosts, giving us a first-hand look at the camp that is visible from Route 422. That first look, though, doesn’t begin to tell the story of what is available there for their special community of campers.
Golden String and its associated programs provide medical, vocational, and social support for adults with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, and traumatic brain injury. The organization is developing Gabba Camp as a year-round resort and respite center for adults with physical and developmental disabilities on 30 acres of woodlands. An additional 20 acres belongs to Purple Cat, another Golden String program.
The impetus for the development of Gabba Camp came after participants in Golden String programs encountered barriers to enjoying outside activities such as sporting events and trips to other non-accessible campgrounds. The decision was made to ensure clients could have the same experience as other adults in an environment suited to their needs.
After a delicious lunch provided by Gallagher’s Lunch Box, a program of Golden String, we were taken on a tour of the grounds. We were astounded by the scope of the camp and grounds that you can’t see from the highway. Several ADA-compliant cabins were under development, with plans to build at least 12 total. Priority will go to Golden String clients, with the possibility of allowing children who cannot experience places like Camp Fitch to have a camping adventure. Rentals to the general public are also being considered. Funding has been requested through the American Rescue Plan to put in a pool to enhance the camping experience.
On our way around the camp, we walked by an impressive greenhouse that provides 4-15 part time jobs for clients. A disc golf course is part of the camp’s activities, and was donated. A wheelchair-accessible bridge was also donated to Gabba Camp, and was shipped to the site in two pieces. It is festively decorated with solar mini lights, as is the pathway. The bees in the hives were, well, busy……
Probably the most fun to see was the menagerie of animals at the camp. Llamas (or were those alpaca?), chickens, goats, a turtle, dogs, and cats were all enjoying the attention. Several spectacular peacocks showed off while we walked by them. A male was showing off his plumage for a female in the adjoining cage, but it appeared she was having none of it!
To date, over $1.3 million has been invested in the development of Gabba Camp, including water, sewer and electrical infrastructure. Running the utilities to the cabins alone cost $750,000. Go to www.gabbacamp.com for more information , including how to donate. Oh, and that name, Gabba Camp? A major donor named if after his granddaughter. Now you know.
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