CAMP SUN ‘N’ FUN NEEDS YOUR HELP – Letter to the Editor/OP-Ed
MPORTANT – PUBLIC HEARING – MONROE TWP.
Dear Friends of CAMP SUN N FUN and Tuckahoe Respite House,
WE NEED YOUR HELP to protect our much valued Camp Sun ‘N Fun and Tuckahoe Respite House! The Arc Gloucester has proudly provided a variety of services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families, for over 60 years. We are especially proud of our Camp Sun ‘N Fun and Tuckahoe House Respite programs. Located in Monroe Township, Camp Sun ‘N Fun has provided a true outdoor camp experience for over 50 years to thousands of individuals who would never otherwise have this opportunity. The only time most have the chance to be “like everyone else”. More importantly, it is often the one and only time of the year their parents and caregivers can relax, reconnect, and have time to rejuvenate themselves. Because of the expertise and experience of The Arc Gloucester Camp Sun ‘N Fun staff, parents and guardians can attend to other needs without any worry or concern. Some examples of what Camp Sun ‘N Fun has meant to these families are:
The mom in her 70’s who was finally able to have a hip replacement and attend rehab because her adult son with intellectual and developmental disabilities was safe at camp for two weeks.
The dad who was able to rehab from a wrist injury. His adult daughter with intellectual and developmental disabilities never leaves his side, except when she goes to camp.
Tuckahoe House provides short and long term respite, year round, for adults whose families need to attend to other obligations. This may be an overnight stay to attend a family wedding or a long term stay while a parent goes through cancer surgery and treatments. Tuckahoe House and Camp Sun ‘N Fun are the only programs of their kind in the south Jersey area, and are used by individuals who live throughout New Jersey. It is VITAL that we fight to maintain these resources!
Monroe Township’s Planning Board is in the process of reviewing a redevelopment study which may include allowing the Township to acquire property through negotiation or possibly exercise ‘eminent domain’ to acquire property in the designated area for further redevelopment purposes, to include Camp Sun ‘N Fun and Tuckahoe Respite House properties.
The Arc Gloucester Board of Directors approved a resolution requesting that the Monroe Township Planning Board deny the recommended redevelopment plan for the subject area or that the Planning Board carve The Arc Gloucester’s properties out of the redevelopment plan. The resolution was submitted to Monroe Township Mayor Daniel Teefy on August 28, 2018.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! A public hearing regarding the redevelopment plan is scheduled for Thursday Sept. 20, 2018, 7:00 p.m. at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, Virginia Ave., Williamstown. We are encouraging families and individuals who benefit from the services provided at Camp Sun ‘N Fun and/or Tuckahoe House to attend to advocate and voice your objection to this redevelopment plan if it includes The Arc Gloucester properties Camp Sun ‘N Fun and Tuckahoe House.
Please call Brenda Powell, Asst. Exec. Director at The Arc Gloucester Admin. Office (856)848-8648, to let us know if you can attend the Public Hearing on Sept. 20th, or if you have any questions about this issue. Thank you for your attention and anticipated support of this crucial issue which will impact quality services for hundreds of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Sincerely, Ana Rivera, Executive Director