Camp Loyaltown, once full of laughter and singing, is now quiet except for the sounds of the Catskill Mountains. Camp wrapped up its summer season on August 30 as the last campers and staff headed home or set off on their travels.
“I love camp so much,” said Joshua Barlow, a camper. “I want to keep sleeping here forever.”
Joshua found camp meaningful because he could do the activities he loves every day, like caring for animals and playing sports such as basketball and football.
“I like everything,” Joshua said.
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/mloa7oAExc4?si=WT1QbcCUm5H1FtSB
“This summer was extremely wonderful,” said Savita Sharma, Director of Family Support Services and Camp Loyaltown. “It brought all the staff and the campers into this community, and it was a wonderful experience.”
This year, Camp Loyaltown welcomed approximately 527 campers during the season. They were supported by over 170 staff members who traveled from around the world, including 77 who returned from previous years.
“That really set a great leadership,” Savita said. “And you can see the staff wanted to make each experience for each camper very unique.”
To celebrate the summer and recognize returning staff, Camp Loyaltown held its annual Staff Appreciation Night on August 13.
The event welcomed members of the Executive Leadership and Management team, including Stanfort J. Perry, CEO; Barry Donowitz, Chief Administrative Officer; Jason Persan, Assistant Director of Human Resources; Christine Schulte, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services; Lauren Jaquay, Director of Behavioral Health Services; Laura Franzen, Assistant Director of Employee Services; and Mary McNamara, Director of the Nassau County AHRC Foundation.
“We thank all of you for the amazing work you have done all summer long in providing a wonderful opportunity for camp and for respite, for people with disabilities who love coming to Camp Loyaltown year after year after year,” Stanfort said to the crowd of counselors and staff that filled the Rec Hall. “And they love coming because of you, because of the compassion that you show, the care that you give. The support that you provide makes Camp Loyaltown the special place that it is.”
The recreation team worked hard to turn the Rec Hall into a rodeo, giving counselors and staff plenty of spots for photos in their western outfits. After watching a Staff Appreciation Night video made by the social media counselors and cheering as awards were handed out for years of dedication, the music started, the dance floor was cleared, the food kept coming, and everyone enjoyed a night of dancing.
“It really brings joy to me to see that we have so many people coming to Camp Loyaltown from around the world and they’ve dedicated their time to provide a respite break for parents, and to participate in the cultural exchange aspect of it,” said Yesika Richards, Program Coordinator of Training and Development.
For counselor Helen Martinez Josa, this was her first year supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at a summer camp. All summer, she took every chance to learn from other counselors and campers.
“I think at this point I have learned a lot of new things and it’s something very rewarding to see all these people doing new things,” Helen said. “Also, in my case, I have been trying new things most of the time.”
As camp came to a close, campers and counselors enjoyed favorite activities like arts & crafts, Tie-Dye Night, karaoke, a fashion show, a pajama party, and the farewell Prom.
“People will express themselves and say they don’t want to leave camp that goes for the campers and the staff as well,” Savita said. “We’ve built something so special within the two weeks that people have been here and throughout the whole summer, that it’s built this unique community people want to stay in.”
The end of the Camp Loyaltown season is always bittersweet, but we’re grateful for the memories we’ve made and for the campers, families, and staff whose support inspires our mission to help people live the lives they choose. Stay tuned for next summer’s schedule and registration details, which we’ll announce in the coming months.
“Thank you so much for a great season in 2026, but 2027 is just around the corner,” Savita said.