Camp Bruce McCoy

Camp would not be possible without some great people and excellent staff and once again BIAV was fortunate enough to get just that! Martha Butler served as the program director for the 7th year the first week and then as the camp director the second week in my absence; she did an excellent job and I can’t thank her enough!  Alex Neal served as the program director the second week and did an amazing job!  Megan Murphy, Brooke Sapp, Hamilton Graziano and Andy Vanderveer served as head counselors, and were always ready to go the extra mile.  Nurse practitioner Hugh LaBree and paramedic Daniel Sapp provided excellent nursing coverage both weeks.

Thanks also go to Anne and Patrick McDonnell for their support, wisdom, and friendship.  I am grateful beyond words to all of them for the many hours they put in before and during camp to ensure that everyone was happy, healthy, and safe. Special thanks also go to everyone who worked as counselors, attendants and volunteers. The number of applicants grew even more this year and as always, we were able to hire some excellent staff. We had students from a variety of different colleges and universities and we also had professionals that took time off from their jobs to work at camp again this year; thanks to Tree of Life Services for donating time for their staff to attend and work at camp.

We would be remiss if we did not thank individuals and community businesses that provided support and supplies. Over 75 people and businesses provided camper scholarships totaling more than $35,000, including Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation Centers and the Pilot Clubs of Chesapeake, Nansemond River, Suffolk and Norfolk/Virginia Beach. Numerous businesses and organizations provided much needed supplies and equipment including Macoy Publishing, Skanska, Gilbane and Kjellstrom and Lee, Pro DJs, Virginia Golf Carts and Batteries, and Cobb Technologies.

Dr. Paul Aravich provided another great education experience for everyone and Dr. Nathan Zasler once again served as our medical consultant and was a huge help as always. Gary Steinberg and his wife, Brenda, returned to DJ our dance both weeks; this marks the couple’s 17th year of volunteering for this program and dance night is always the highlight of the week.  THANK YOU!

Camp is a meaningful experience for many people, many of whom return year after year to be part of creating smiles, laughter and memories for each other.  BIAV is deeply honored each and every year to be able to provide this experience. Next year’s camp season is tentatively scheduled for May 20- June 2, 2012. If you know of anyone who might be interested in donating to, attending or working at camp, please call the BIAV office and let us know!