Photo: Arc of Genesee Orleans Board Member Deb Riggi and daughters Cassidy and Masha are encouraging caregivers to sign up for Camp Caregiver Day, Aug. 4 in Lyndonville.
Submitted photo and press release:
The Empowering Families Program at the Arc of Genesee Orleans is trying something new this summer -- an event called Camp Caregiver Day.
"This is a day to give back and re-energize caregivers whose lives are committed to caring for their loved ones with disabilities," Empowering Families Advocate Bethany Willis said. “Caregivers aren’t only parents; they are also often siblings, extended family, neighbors, and friends.
"As the definition of caregiver expands we want to expand the types of support, resources, and experiences we provide.”
Arc Board Member Deb Riggi and her husband, Mike, are parents of Masha and Cassidy, 14-year-olds with Down syndrome.
“I would encourage moms, dads and everyone in a caregiver role to register for this day,” Deb said. “Being a caregiver is rewarding, but can also be very challenging; Sometimes a break is just what’s needed."
Camp Caregiver Day, on Saturday Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is open to caregivers in Genesee and Orleans Counties and will be held at the Arc of Genesee Orleans' Camp Rainbow in Lyndonville. It is located at 2272 Yates Carlton Townline Road.
Arc Community Relations Coordinator Sandy Konfederath calls it a perfect setting and shares the significance of Camp Rainbow in the Arc chapter's history.
"It was the very first program on our Orleans side and has provided a summer day camp experience for children of all abilities since 1970," Konfederath stated. "Caregivers will find it a great place to relax, unwind and meet other caregivers in our community."
Camp Caregiver Day is a free event and includes lunch. Some optional activities may have a small fee. To make it easier for caregivers to attend, the Arc is providing respite and sibling care.
In order to plan appropriate staffing for respite, caregivers need to call and register by July 20 by contacting Bethany Willis at 585-344-1678, ext. 229.
