WATERFORD, CT. (WFSB) – Camp Harkness, a summer camp for kids with disabilities, is in limbo.
They are struggling to hire a nurse, and it could mean that camp doesn’t go on as planned.
The campers stay in cabins, and a nurse needs to be in the area around the clock to do things like medications and handle emergencies.
“Some of these folks are very healthy and some have challenges,” said Kathleen Stauffer, the CEO of Arc Eastern CT. “I personally have contacted no fewer than 15 local groups to try and get a nurse for camp.”
The organization reached out to senator Heather Somers for help online.
“We put it on every community forum that would allow us to,” said Somers. “We don’t want to disappoint the kids.”
Camp usually runs six weeks, but it could be five or less this year if a nurse is not found ASAP.
“This is becoming a real crunch,” continued Stauffer.
Town-run camps are also planning for a crunch of their own.
In Bozrah, a summer camp was expanded from six to seven weeks.
New legislation could be coming down soon requiring a nurse for camps like those. There has been no ruling yet.
“To have someone come for 4 of 5 hours a day for 3 days a week will be an incredible match if we can find it at all, not to mention the expense on top of that,” said Bozrah First Selectman Glenn Pianka.
At Camp Harkness, the grounds are ready as well as the campers. But one box still needs to be checked.
“We cannot run camp without a nurse,” stated Stauffer.
“I look forward to making new friends, staying there for a week, I love the activities,” said Camper Abby Snyder.
If you know a nurse or are a nurse interested, contact the Arc of Eastern Connecticut HERE.
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