Woman's Body Found In West Hazleton Home

Allison Pollick

By ALAN K. STOUT alanks@leader.net
 Monday, January 28, 2002 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 1A 





WHITE HAVEN - Plans for ``Camp For All,'' an ambitious project aimed at
transforming Camp Kresge near White Haven into a fully handicapped-accessible
facility, are moving forward. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 A new handicapped-accessible health lodge is already in use, the dining
area for campers has been refurbished and a new cabin accessible to
individuals with handicaps is about 65 percent complete. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still, those involved in developing the project say substantial financial
contributions, as well as plenty of building materials, are needed to finish
the job - one they initially hoped would be completed by the summer of 2000. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Dan Nulton, who is spearheading the project, said if progress is to be made
in time for the summer of 2002, additional public support is needed. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``If we had a half a million dollars to just go out and do it, it would be
done,'' said Nulton, president of Leasing Partners of PA. ``But the fact of
the matter is that it takes time. You've got to go out and make contacts, ask
people for help, explain the project, and then hope they buy into it.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Camp Kresge is owned and operated by the YMCA, and ``Camp For All'' is
being developed with the support of PNC Bank, the Max &amp; Lorraine Foundation,
the Building Industry Association and the Times Leader. Nulton said final
costs might range from $400,000 to $500,000. So far, he said, between $110,000
and $115,000 has been raised. He added that all donated funds, labor and
supplies have been put to good use. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``The health lodge, which is now complete, has exam rooms, a waiting room,
a lounge area and living quarters for doctors and nurses,'' he said. ``It also
has its own water supply, plus heat and air conditioning. The dining hall has
also been refurbished and is now handicapped accessible.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Nulton said a second major project, a handicapped-accessible cabin, still
needs plumbing, electrical work and extensive interior work such as floors,
ceilings and dry wall. Other projects in need of completion include the
modification of the walkways throughout the camp to make them handicapped
accessible - which must meet guidelines of the Americans With Disabilities Act
- plus work on the shower house. Pavilions also need to be constructed on each
side of the lake, and work has not yet begun on the handicapped-accessible
fishing dock. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The Carr family of Wilkes-Barre is among the many in the region monitoring
the camp's progress. Bobby Carr, 7, the son of Robert and Cathy Carr, suffers
from asthma, seizures and cerebral palsy. Although he's active and vibrant and
enjoys the family's regular camping trips, his parents say the dust-free cabin
and on-site medical services will make it much easier for him to spend a fun
summer weekend under the stars. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``He really enjoys being outside,'' Cathy Carr said, and then added that
simply knowing that doctors and nurses will be available at all times will
provide a sense of comfort. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``That would be ideal,'' she said. ``Just to be able to enjoy a camping
experience and know there was somebody there in case of an emergency.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Robert Carr said his son enjoys fishing, but because of a weakened right
side, he sometimes has a hard time maintaining his balance. This, he said, can
be unnerving, particularly when Bobby is standing near water. ``Camp For All''
- with plans for a safe, handicapped-accessible fishing dock - could help
eliminate some of the anxiety. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Bobby's sisters - Devin, 12, and Abby, 4 - also enjoy camping. Abby, who
suffers from asthma, also will benefit from some of the new amenities provided
by the camp. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Nulton said those interested in contributing funds or materials should note
that the camp's organizers have always made the most of what they receive,
thanks largely to the donated labor. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``Architects and contractors have told us that these buildings should be
valued at $360,000 to $500,000, and we have finished one and nearly competed
another with donations of about $110,000,'' he said. ``For every dollar that's
been contributed, we've put up about $3 worth of building.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Nulton said it will take $30,000 to complete the handicapped-accessible
cabin. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Donated building materials - such as oak flooring - and plumbing and
electrical supplies are also welcomed. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 All involved, Nulton said, are committed to seeing the project through. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``What keeps you going is seeing the children utilize this camp, and the
sheer joy that they get from the time they spend there'' he said. ``And
knowing that when this project is complete, there won't be any barriers to any
children in the valley.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Anyone interested in contributing funds and/or building materials may call
Nulton at 270-5772 or send contributions payable to: YMCA Camp For All, c/o
Dan Nulton, Leasing Partners of PA, 67 Public Square, Suite 1211,
Wilkes-Barre, Pa., 18711. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

'camp For All' Seeks Support Project Will Open Programs To Area Kids With Disabilities