Local schools help Arc's Camp Rainbow

Ronald Sodoma Elementary School in Albion and Lyndonville Elementary School have shown what it's like to be a "good neighbor." Each school recently held a Spell-A-Thon to help raise money for The Arc of Orleans County's Camp Rainbow, located on Townline Road in Lyndonville.

Second graders in Albion this year raised $8,749, and have raised over $143,000 for Camp Rainbow since 1988. The top class was Mrs. Werner's, and the top student was Zachary Shaffer with $427. Zachary has chosen a week at the camp as his prize. In addition to raising money, second grade teacher Nancy Snyder said, "The purpose of this project is to demonstrate that being a good citizen and giving back to the community is possible at even the young age of our second grade students." In addition, the children were introduced to the camp through a field trip that would increase their awareness in Camp Rainbow, and interest them in attending a summer session. There they can become acquainted with children with disabilities, have fun, and make new friends.

Albion has made sure that everything involved with the Spell-A-Thon has connections to their school curriculum. In addition to the spelling test, that all students must take, they also include math, language, music and art in their studies. The Albion students also developed and tested 20 science kits, which they donated to Camp Rainbow. The five themes of the kits were: Motion, Balance, Magnets, Sink and Float and Measurement. Albion and Lyndonville schools both donated a Colorado Blue Spruce tree that was dedicated and planted at the camp.

The Arc of Orleans County and Camp Rainbow Spell-A-Thons were a great success. Camp Rainbow is a summer day camp and the 2006 season runs from July 10 through August 11.

July 2, 2006