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In
the beginning, the Muscular Dystrophy Association funded a winter
weekend and one week of summer camp for adults with muscular dystrophy
and related neuromuscular diseases. Although MDA was no longer able to fund a camp
for adults the need, the desire and the enthusiasm to continue
to have camps remained so intense that they held their own winter
weekend in February of 1982. During that weekend, a dream was born to
hold summer camp that same year. Through hard work, dedication, love
and with a little help from our friends, the dream was realized that
July.
A
total of 29 people attended the first summer camp at Camp Byron in
1982: 10 disabled men, 9 disabled women and 10 volunteer attendants.
With fund-raising efforts coming up short, everyone contributed
out-of-pocket to pay the camp bill. Disabled adults, parents,
families and volunteers gave what they could allowing the rental bill
to be paid with a few dollars to spare.
It
was decided that if the camping programs were to continue the group
would have to seek nonprofit status so needed tax-deductible donations
could be raised for future camp rentals. Through months of efforts
community leaders, camp directors and nonprofit executives and other
individuals were brought together to help develop an organizational
master plan. The end product was named "With A Little
Help...," Inc. The group was formally incorporated in late
December, 1982.
With the organizational purpose being "A statewide,
nonprofit organization providing camping and recreational
opportunities for adults with muscular dystrophy and other
neuromuscular diseases." The creation of "With A Little
Help...", Inc. by these disabled adults and volunteer attendants
established a long-term commitment to provide camping opportunities
annually for these unique individuals.
Winter
and spring weekend retreats were held at Camp Sidney Cohen in
Delafield for several years until attendance totals exceeded available
space.
By
1986 summer camp attendance had skyrocketed forcing the group to
consider leaving Camp Byron to seek a larger facility in 1986. The
eventual move to Easter Seal's Camp Wawbeek in Wisconsin Dells proved
pivotal in the organization's growth. Designed for physically disabled
campers, the facility was "wheelchair-friendly" with ramps,
roll-in showers and other amenities the group needed to facilitate
more independence of its participants. Activities blossomed to include
swimming in a fully-accessible pool, trail rides on a tractor-pulled
trailer through the lush, 402 acres of woods, meadows and ravines,
walks in the woods on paved trails, and a fully-supplied arts and
crafts building. Adaptive sports was also just as popular at Wawbeek
as it was at Byron. The numbers grew to 79 participants in Summer Camp
'87 - the highest ever.
As
we continue into the new millennium, "With A Little
Help...," Inc. remains a viable organization and a continual
source of camping and social fun for many disabled adults and the
wonderful volunteers who assist them, many of whom continue to return
year after year to make it all possible. Without these volunteers -
and the generosity of donors who help pay for it all - dozens of
disabled adults would be forced to stay at home during what is often
called "the best week of the year." Help keep their dream
alive. Support "With A Little Help...," Inc. through your
donations and volunteer efforts.
“With
A Little Help…”, Inc. P.O. Box
320243 Franklin, WI 53132
(414)571-0234
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