Visitors to Camp Happiness in Leonardo have the opportunity to enjoy facilities, including a gym, activities like art lessons and the camaraderie of others. MIDDLETOWN- Most visitors toCamp Happiness cannot actually see the light but will eagerly tell anyone that the place is blessedwith amillion rays of light and serves as an oasis of caring, kindness and camaraderie to those who need it.
“This is the only sanctuary for somany of us, and it has certainly become my second home,” said Dottie Lee, a Middletown resident who has been frequenting the camp for the last four years. “I spend eight hours a day, four days per week here and love it,” Lee added.
She listed bingo and crocheting as some of her favorite daily activities but said there is “always a lot going on and somuch to choose from.” Lee lost her sight six years ago. Indeed, the raucous laughter emanating from an activity room on a cold, cloudy day in January is solid proof that the camp has earned its name. Marvin Zaentz, a Holmdel resident, couldn’t say enough about the difference the camp has made in his life. “I am very partial to this place.We are all in the same boat and can come here to ask honest questions and get straight answers,” Zaentz said. “Wewould not necessarily get that elsewhere.”
Overlooking Sandy Hook Bay on a quiet, scenic street in the Leonardo section of Middletownwith incredible views of both theNew York skyline and the battleships at the Earle naval pier, the camp has been attending to the needs of the blind and visually-impaired population since 1910 and is the centerpiece of the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association (NJBCA). The camp occupies two sides of the street on Burlington Avenue and consists of several buildings- administrative offices, activity rooms, a fitness center, a thrift store, a pool and a separate summer camp building with 10 bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large art studio.
Executive Director J. Douglas Scott, who prefers to be called Doug, said he was drawn to the organization four years ago and concedes it has changed his life.
“Riding the commuter train to New York one day, Iwas suddenly struck by the thought that I just didn’t want to continue with that anymore. So I gave six months notice to the company, stumbled across the camp and here I am,” he said. “Now I love getting up in the morning, and each day is great here. The laughter justmakesmy day.”
In addition to themany programs and activities offered, the organization is full of peoplewith personal success stories according to Scott.
“Most peoplewho come herewere sighted at some point during their lives and had very successful careers,” Scott stated. “The loss of their sight hasn’t stopped any of them from continuing to achieve.”
ArtKarin, a retired carpenter and ex-Marine fromKeyport, is a huge fan of the fitness program.
“I have been activemywhole life and used to be a runner. I lost my sight 10 years ago due to glaucoma, but this place keepsme active,” Karin said. “Most people here did not exercise before. Once they arrive, they are motivated to participate and develop awhole new mindset along with a sense of accomplishment.” Karin explained that fitness program members participate in the Matawan Turkey Trot, the Middletown Lions Sandy Hook 5K Race, and the Dennis Zilinski Memorial Race.
“Our programs are designed to enhance, improve and maintain the quality of life for the blind. Everything we do has an educational component to it,” Scott stated.
Fitness, computer training, job searching, art, gardening, crocheting and cooking are some of the classes offered year-round. The summer program has been in existence for 77 straight years according to Scott.
“People from all over the state come down in the summer to enjoy the outdoors here,” he said, explaining thatmembers of the Middletown Garden Club RFD volunteer their time to teach gardening techniques. Charles Blood, a Middletown resident who has been frequenting the camp for seven years,manages the garden program.
“We have a 700-square-foot garden,”Blood said, “and in the summer it is full of herbs and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplant, lettuce and potatoes and flowers like daylilies, sedumand peonies.”
The art program is definitely the most popular, according to Scott.He expressed awe at some of the creations designed by the students including nature paintings, self-portraits, ceramics and sculpture.
“I don’t know how they do it, and it’s just amazing,” Scott said, adding that all programs are taught by professionals who have expertise in dealing with the blind.
Blood also participates in the art program and admitted that artwork was a hobby before he lost his sight. “The art program here has given that back tome,” he said.
Regarding the computer skills program, Scottmentioned that the organization’s computers are equipped with JAWS and Zoom Text – two programs that specifically assist the blind.
“JAWS is a talking software program for those who are totally blind, and Zoom Text magnifies the screen for those who have limited sight,” he stated.
Describing the job search program, Scott gave credit to theNewJerseyCommission for theBlind andVisually Impaired,which sends a vocational counselor to host three seminars each year.
“The seminars run for six-eight weeks, and we have a 76 percent success rate with placements. Some of ourmembers are highly educated and have advanced degrees. They are blind but educated,” he said.
Scott explained that the seminars concentrate on résumé writing and interview skills, and Scott himself gets involved with helping to revise the résumés. “This is very rewarding,” he added.
Like every nonprofit, Scott cites money and fundraising as challenges for the camp but acknowledges that many groups have been helpful.
“Several Lions clubs have been the backbone of our organization,” Scott said, “and I also have to mention the Community Foundation of New Jersey. They have given us three grants in the last three years.” Scott also had high praise for Investor’s Savings Bank, which recently donated $5,000 to the art program.
The organization operates a thrift store on site and is always eager for donations of clothing, furniture andmiscellaneous items.
“Iwould even pick the furniture up,” Scott joked.
Looking toward the future, Scott said that he wants to start a children’s program that incorporates art, outdoor recreation and mobility instruction. He conceded that the organization would need another van to transport participants.
Complete information on Camp Happiness, as well as on upcoming events, can be found on the Web site www.njbca.org. Scott can be reached via phone at (732) 291-0878 or by e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected].