What Makes Camp HACCAMO So Special?

By Lee Loomis

Celebrating 70 Years of Service (1956–2026)

While many of us are familiar with our Camp, many others have yet to fully realize its most vital truth: for the special population of campers we serve, this isn’t just a camp—it is the only place. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, it is the perfect time to reflect on why this mission remains irreplaceable.

Among the five Rotary-sponsored summer camps for children with disabilities and challenges in District 7120, Camp HACCAMO is unique. In addition to serving campers with physical, developmental, and cognitive challenges, Camp HACCAMO—unlike the others—also welcomes those with emotional and behavioral needs. These are campers for whom there are few, if any, away-from-home, overnight camping experiences.

A Unique Capability: Camp HACCAMO can offer this special service due to its historic, established ability to attract, train, and support counselors with specific skill sets for serving all levels of special needs. Our counselors have a strong, positive impact on our campers, providing stimulating, memorable experiences for them during their five-day camping session.

For our camper families, this secure, scheduled week-long experience allows an annual, predictable time of respite, during which they can provide uninterrupted focus on the needs of their other children.

A Training Ground for the Future: Most of our Camp HACCAMO counselors are already in the process of developing their professional skills, year-round, as undergraduate and graduate students in area Special Education programs at SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Brockport, Nazareth University, and other colleges. The annual counseling experience at Camp HACCAMO has become an essential learning experience for aspiring Special Education teachers.

Historically, it is estimated that nearly 25% of our camper population meet these challenging

additional emotional and behavioral needs criteria. Without Camp HACCAMO and its counselors’ unique, in-depth skill set, there would be few options for a camper experience or the secure respite it provides for their families.

Our Singular Lifeline: Camp HACCAMO provides a unique, singular lifeline. It takes on the

challenges others can’t, supported by counselors who are the best in their field, to serve families who have no other options. In a world of many camps, HACCAMO remains the only home for those with nowhere else to go.

“That is Camp HACCAMO’s unique mission; let’s make sure every Rotarian knows it.”

---------------------------------------------------------

About Lee Loomis: Lee’s commitment to the Special Education community is inspired by his wife, Marci, a retired educator (BA SUNY Geneseo, MA Nazareth University) whose career spanned from 1968 into the 21st century. Through her work with students across a spectrum of needs—including CP, Down Syndrome, and ADHD—Lee developed a lifelong admiration for the professionals and families who make Special Education their life’s work. Lee is a longtime member of the Camp Haccamo Board and a member of the Rush Henrietta Rotary Club.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Camp Haccamo is a 501c3 funded solely by grants, individual donors and our dedicated Rotary clubs. If you are considering a gift, please know your financial contribution makes a direct impact. Donate here: https://bit.ly/46442xB.