Camp Wildwood receives $25K from state
Enterprise file photo — Michael Koff
Wildwood campers held a giant “Thank You” sign to show their appreciation when earlier state funds were announced to improve the camp.
ALTAMONT — Camp Wildwood is receiving $25,000 from the state.
Wildwood School provides special education to over 200 students living with autism and other developmental disabilities in the Greater Capital Region and the half-century-old camp, on Leesome Lane, on the outskirts of Altamont, is its summer extension program.
“The students’ individual education goals are met while they have the opportunity to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and a host of summer activities in a supported environment,” said Lou Deepe, Wildwood’s chief executive officer, in a statement. “On behalf of everyone in the Wildwood family, we extend the warmest thanks to Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara for being a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and for supporting the mission of our organization.”
Santabarbara, who has a son on the autism spectrum, secured the funds.
Camp Wildwood, on nearly 90 acres of largely undeveloped land, serves students for a six-week period during the months of July and August. The camp is also used throughout the year by participants in other Wildwood programs, for camping trips, picnics, and nature walks.
Over the years, Camp Wildwood has undergone extensive improvements. In 2007, after struggling for decades to obtain a source of drinking water, the camp secured water from the village of Altamont. Awell was dug in the eighties, which provided water for just three years after which drilling for water had disappointing results.
Eventually, a pond was built for both recreational and water use, but the Albany County Health Department told Wildwood that it could not be used for both. Once new wells drilled on Brandle Road came online for Altamont, the village board approved supplying the camp with water.
Additional upgrades include a small pavilion being added at the pond, new playground equipment, improvements to the lodge with an enclosed front porch and partitioned basement, the addition of several smaller pavilions for use by outdoor education and music, the removal of old rundown trailers, a new bathroom on the playing field, and the completion of the new administration and nursing facility.
— Melissa Hale-Spencer
