However, for Reynolds, finding any type of organized camp or events gearned for special needs children and their (not so special needs) siblings and or parents to attend together produced similar results – nada.

So, Reynolds an intrepid mother of two, and a human services, non-profit leader, decided to do what any “normal” person, would do -create her own camp- where special needs children and their siblings could attend together, without the fear of any of the stereotypes or stigmas often associated with children of special needs playing a factor in a given camping experience.

“It was really hard to try and find something for us to do,” said Reynolds. “My daughter would get embarrassed if my son (Luke) would have an outburst or act up, and I wanted an event where they could just be kids. No pressure. No Worrying. Just being kids, playing and having fun.”

Reynolds said she had the idea for a camp where special needs kids with their siblings could attend and do ‘normal, traditional, camp activities’ with some modified safety considerations put in place.

Campers, staff members of Prevention Works Inc., local-area volunteers and Camp Onyahsa staff members pause for a moment in their busy day to take a group photo, during a Kids and Sibs Camp, held at YMCA Camp Onyahsa,. Kids and Sibs Camp will be offered again this year, August 14 -15, from 9 - 3 p.m., and is in its fifth iteration. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

“I put out feelers to see if any camps could help us host a Kids and Sibs campout, and Jon O’Brian with YMCA Camp Onyahsa not only responded, but wanted to help and collaborate with us.”

As previously reported in a Aug. 23, 2023 Post-Journal story, “”YMCA Camp Onyahsa and Jon O’Brian (camp director) was the first camp to reach out and step-up,” said Reynolds. “A wonderful partnership has ensued, YMCA Camp Onyahsa has been wonderful to us, and the camp staff is of the highest caliber.”

O’Brian, previously stated, “This is a wonderful partnership spearheaded by Prevention Works,” said the longtime Camp Onyahsa director and locally tenured college professor.

“Laurie Reynold has brought together youth professionals from the Y, the Resource Center Jamestown Public Schools, SUNY Fredonia Education Department and parents to provide a quality, traditional, camping experience for youth with developmental disabilities and their siblings, who may not have disabilities, at no charge, held at Onyahsa.”

This year’s camp is scheduled to run August 14 -15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at YMCA Camp Onyahsa, located at 5411 E. Lake Rd, Dewittville, and will feature traditional camping activities such as boating and canoeing, arts and crafts, nature hikes, camp fires, songs and more. Additionally, Reynolds said the camp is looking to add a few more activities and are requesting help with facilitating them, along with some slight schedule changes.

Boating, canoeing and kayaking are just some of the many activities that ‘special needs’ campers and their siblings can enjoy during Kids and Sibs camp, hosted by YMCA Camp Onyahsa, located at 5411 E. Lake Rd, Dewittville. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

“This year we are looking at getting a petting zoo, karate, yoga, possibly a bouncy house,” she said. “In addition, the schedule is switching a little to have longer periods at an hour each so that way it’s not so rushed and the kids have time to transition to their next station. There will not be breakfast this year or lunch. Kids will have to pack their own lunches.”

Reynolds said that she is looking for donations to help keep the camp at “no-cost” for the campers, and will be greatly appreciated.

“We do need some financial assistance with the camp to ensure it is at no cost for kids and sibs to attend. We are working on donations, sponsorship letters and some grants,” she said.

For those wishing to donate or request more information on Prevention Works and or Kids and Sibs Camp, email Reynolds at laurie@preventionworks.us or call 716-664-3608, extension 236.