Camp Onseyawa was formed to provide a true outdoor living experience to children with disabilities.

 

In the spring of 1955 a spunky little girl by the name of Gail Rietman insisted that she be allowed to go to camp with her twin sister. Camp authorities refused to accept Gail because she had Spina Bifida. Walt, her father, approached Paul Vogt, president of the Geneva Rotary Club and asked if he knew of any camp that would admit Gail -- and thus the seed was planted.

 

Paul Vogt, the out-going president, liked the idea of an area camp for the physically handicapped and turned the idea and task over to the president - elect, Neil Marvin. When Neil took office, he appointed Robert Maney to chair a committee to investigate the need and to sound out opinion for the organization of such a camp. They soon realized that the task was too great for one club and turned to the clubs in neighboring counties.

 

Today the camp is supported by funds raised by 21 Rotary Clubs covering a four-county area in New York State. Clubs from Ontario, Seneca, Yates and Wayne counties conduct fundraising events so that these children can attend camp with no cost to their family.

 

Camp Onseyawa is open to children age 8-16 with a physical, mental or emotional disability which would exclude his or her successful participation at other camps. Rules for acceptance are the same for everyone without regard to race, color or national origin. Since it's inception the camp has helped hundreds of campers to grow in self-confidence and experience success in physical activities and human relationships.