Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Maple 2 Aids “Echoing Hills”

Trenton Kraczek is burning trash at Camp Echoing Hills in Warsaw, OH.

By: Vanessa Brown and Alex Kemp

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team Maple 2 is serving Camp Echoing Hills in Warsaw, Ohio. The objective of the project is to renovate cabins, prepare their pool, go-cart track, and paintball course for use before the summer campers arrive. Echoing Hills, a camp for youths with disabilities, plans to have the renovations completed by the end of April.

Maple 2 is also working with campers during a “respite weekend”-- a weekend where campers stay overnight and enjoy camp activities before summer. Corps members are providing 24-hour care to campers, ages 6-18, accompanying them on a field trip to the CoSi science museum in Columbus, OH and engaging them in fun activities.

“Respite weekend provides a break for parents as well as a place for campers where they are accepted despite their disabilities, and where they can come out of their shell. Volunteers-- caregivers-- teach and encourage behaviors that help them in the real world,” says Lauren Samuels, Program Director at Camp Echoing Hills. “Over the years many of the kids have become more verbal and outgoing. They’ve grown a lot.”

Maple 2 is also volunteering at the nearby Echoing Hills Residential Center, a residential and rehabilitation center for people with disabilities. Team members talk with residents, play games, and accompany them on outings. Corps Member Diamond McNeal said, “It’s been a really good experience. I’m learning how to help people with different needs and learning about their everyday struggles.”

This is Echoing Hills’ first partnership with AmeriCorps NCCC. The faith-based organization has been working with people with disabilities since its establishment 44 years ago. Camp Echoing Hills provides campers with social outlets in addition to the care they need, while the residential center provides similar services. With the fast approaching arrival of the campers, volunteers are sorely needed for the completion of Echoing Hills’ construction projects. “We don’t know where we’d be without our volunteers,” said Jackie Bice, Volunteer Coordinator at Echoing Hills, “They’re the backbone of our ministry.”