History
The NJ Camp for Blind Children, commonly known as Camp Marcella, started in 1947. A more or less casual type of camp facility existed, but to many parents it lacked the many advantages of a complete camping experience. So, NJCFBC Inc. recruited the right people for the right job. With the physical work and contributions of over 13 organizations and individuals, Camp Marcella opened its gates that very summer. Today Camp Marcella comprises over 200 acres (0.81 km2) of mostly woodland surroundings and a clear fish laden lake, with all of its facilities designed for the care of children with blindness, visual impairments and special needs.
Since 1947 Camp Marcella has enjoyed the support and partnership of the New Jersey Lions Clubs who have donated the funds and the muscle power to maintain the beautiful facility. In the fall of 2008 Camp Marcella broke with the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired after the 50-years contact ended. The camp then contracted with Easter Seals of New Jersey as a source of funding. In 2009 Easter Seals extended the Camp season and in addition to sessions for children and teens with blindness, visual impairments and multiple challenges, Easter Seals will bring other special needs children and adults allowing Camp Marcella to serve an even greater population.
From its beginnings through 2008 Camp Marcella was completely free to blind and visually impaired children and teens ages 5 through 16 and special needs campers ages 5 to 21 who were legally blind residents of the state of New Jersey. This is because the summer program was funded by the State. In 2009 New Jersey officials elected to discontinue support for the summer program and the camp now seeks private donations to help families defray the cost of a one or two week stay at camp.
Read more about this topic: Camp Marcella
Famous quotes containing the word history:
“What would we not give for some great poem to read now, which would be in harmony with the scenery,—for if men read aright, methinks they would never read anything but poems. No history nor philosophy can supply their place.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“A country grows in history not only because of the heroism of its troops on the field of battle, it grows also when it turns to justice and to right for the conservation of its interests.”
—Aristide Briand (1862–1932)
“The history of this country was made largely by people who wanted to be left alone. Those who could not thrive when left to themselves never felt at ease in America.”
—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)