Jon O’Brian, Jamestown Area YMCA camp director, has reviewed some specialty camps, such as a pediatric cancer-stricken camp, bereavement camp and other inclusivity challenging camps he wishes to add as program offerings soon. However, to conduct these camps in a safe and responsible way, Onyahsa must have the appropriate health care facilities on site. Thus, there is a need to expand and update the camp’s current health care lodge, O’Brian said.

“An expanded, inclusive, accessible, health center has been strategically designed by health care professionals, camp leadership, and architects based on a 2021 Inclusive Site Audit (IDeA-University at Buffalo). The 2,755 square-foot, year-round, state-of-the-art resource will be accessible to persons with disabilities through stamped concrete pathways, gently sloped ramps, ADA bathrooms, multi-language signage, superior health maintenance/treatment areas, professional furnishings, and private bathrooms,” said O’Brian in a written statement. “It will empower the expansion of new offerings to medically challenged campers, including those experiencing cancer, heart disease, asthma, epilepsy and other chronic diseases. In addition, campers on the autism spectrum, experiencing bereavement, and mental health challenges will be appropriately served, and we can also better treat current participants.”

As with most things, there is a price tag associated with the endeavor.

The project is expected to cost roughly $280,000, though O’Brian said there is adequate funding currently available in the camp’s development fund to cover any contingencies. There will be no problem garnering the required match, and the additional estimated $70,400 locally, O’Brian said.

Pictured are conceptual drawings of an improved and expanded health lodge YMCA Camp Onyahsa is looking to complete. The 125 year old camp is one of the oldest in the nation and is looking to expand its specialty camp offerings. Submitted images

Once the project is completed, Camp Onyahsa will be in a better position to serve even more “challenged” individuals with a high-quality, low-cost, holistic, green, camping experience, O’Brian said.

“The Inclusive Health Center will also house the camp’s Health Directors and Emergency Services; it will be internet-connected to camper health profiles, and highly accessible to EMS ingress/egress to the camp through a separate driveway,” O’Brian said. “In sum, the Inclusive Health Center will offer critical inclusivity, access, and safety for campers marginalized due to gender identity, class, disability, medical status, mental health challenges, and other identities that might create real or perceived barriers that preclude enrollment, attendance, or comfort in the camp due to the belief that the program and facilities would not accommodate their needs or allow them to experience belonging.”