CAMP PA QUA TUCK OPEN HOUSE AND DEDICATION
This past winter and into the spring, Camp Pa Qua Tuck undertook a major capitol improvement plan to bring the camp into the 21st century.
Camp Pa Qua Tuck renovated the “T” building that contains two dormitories, a dining room, and kitchen. The building was upgraded to include geo-thermal heating and A/C, all new kitchen equipment, new flooring in most areas, insulation, plumbing, electric, and sheetrock.
This large project was coordinated by Camp Pa Qua Tuck’s Board of Directors who spent many hours seeing the project through so the camp could open on time during the last week of June.
The camp held an open house on Sunday, July 24th to show the work to the community.
“I can tell you that the renovation was not easy,” says Tom Chieffo, the camp’s president. “I would like to thank Legislator Peter O’Leary’s office, especially Bill Doyle for his help in getting Suffolk County Water to bring the water main up to the camp entrance. Up to this year, the camp was using well water. I also want to thank Councilman Ed Hennessey for all his support, and all the suppliers and contractors who worked to get the project completed on time and were very generous when it came to their billing.”
Tom continues, “Updating the camp required a tremendous amount of money which only comes to us from fundraising as we are not eligible of any government monies or grants. Camp Pa Qua Tuck’s annual Duck BBQ, which will be held on Sept. 11th, is the camp’s largest fund raising event.”
“It’s important for the community to know where are here,” says Dale Wedell, president of the Moriches Rotary Club. “The camp will be 60 years old next year so updates were needed. We don’t get any type of government funding at all. Funding is done by the volunteers in our club, other rotary clubs, and the Moriches Pa Qua Tuck Squaws.”
“The camp is an important part of this community and it is all privately funded,” says Ed Romaine, County Clerk. “The camp helps handicapped kids and their families. It gives the kids a place to go. It gives the parents a respite. Before the camp, handicapped kids did not have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors like they can now.”
“I want to congratulate the Moriches Rotary Club for their excellent work,” says Councilman Ed Hennessey. “They are a great group of people who are committed, honest, and hardworking. This camp is a regional asset for Long Island. It is reflective in our deepest roots and our greatest character. This is why we need to continue to invest and reinvest in the camp at every opportunity that presents itself.”
“This camp is a jewel for the community,” says John Bivona III, a lifelong Mastic resident and 6th District Council Candidate. “The camp plays a pivotal role and has a great focus on children who will benefit the most from its assistance.”
In addition to announcing the renovations, the updated dormitories were dedicated to two deceased members of the Moriches Rotary Club – Bob Walker Sr. and Dr. Erol Caypinar. These men, who besides being long time Rotary Members, were devoted to making the camp a great place for the children who cherished coming each summer.
“I knew Bob Walker Sr. and Dr. Erol Caypinar well,” says Ed Romaine. “We were in the Rotary together in the 1980’s. They were big contributors to the camp and everything around the camp. You can just look around and see their efforts.”
“I would like to thank the Moriches community for their support over these many years,” says Tom. “Our mission remains the same as it was over 60 years ago. To create a safe haven for children with handicaps of all varieties.”
“I would also like to thank all of the Rotary Clubs of District 7260 Suffolk County for their continued support and financial help over these many years,” says Tom. “Especially, the Westhampton, Rocky Point, Riverhead, Patchogue, and Port Jefferson Clubs. In addition, the camp probably would not be what it is today without the help and dedication of the Moriches Pa Qua Tuck Squaws whose various fund raisers include the Spooky Walk and Chinese Auction. These women make an unbelievable contribution to the camp each year and I thank all of them.”
Camp Pa Qua Tuck was conceived and brought to reality by a group of original Rotarians of the Moriches Club in the 1940’s. These men had a vision, when polio was a prevalent and debilitating disease, to bring children to a place where they could enjoy the same pleasures of summer camp that any child without disabilities would. Since that time for 6 weeks each summer thousands of children have come to the camp for a 1 week session and proved their motto that, “Summer is for Everyone.”
Written by Deborah Brown-Volkman
Click here to see pictures from the event.