Sitting around a fire singing camp songs and roasting marshmallows. Participating in color wars and relay races. Doing crafts and going on nature walks. Attending evening dances and making new friends. These are the fond memories of summer camp.

In Lockport, N.Y., Lodge 41 has worked to bring these memories to children and adults who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to make such memories. After receiving a 2007-08 Impact Grant, the Lodge worked with the Lockport YMCA and Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara to provide a weeklong day camp for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The camp served between 40 and 50 campers, most of whom were attending camp for the first time ever.

While all of the campers had a great time participating in camp activities, they weren’t the only ones that benefited from the experience. The many Lodge members who volunteered left camp each day with memories of their own camp days and the joy of providing that for others. “For those of us who volunteered, we experienced as much fun and fulfillment as those attending,” said John Zieziula, Impact Grant Program Manager.

Learn more about Camp Happiness by visiting their website, www.camphappiness.com. To read about other Impact Grant recipients, click "Impact Grants" in the toolbar above.