Camp Gencheff turns 50

A place where special needs children can enjoy all the fun of camping will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Friday.

Camp Gencheff first opened as the Bellevue Cove Crippled Children's Camp. The Stratford facility was later named after orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tudor Gencheff.

"I can remember Dr. Gencheff," said Barry Stewart, an original camper. "One of the things that he told my family was to let Barry do whatever he wanted to do and not to try and hold him back."

Stewart was born with a club foot. After several unsuccessful surgeries, it was finally fixed by Dr. Gencheff.

When the camp officially opened in 1961, Stewart participated in the ribbon-cutting.

"If I remember rightly, I wanted to go home," Stewart told CBC News. "They thought if I held the ribbon I might stay, and I did."

'I think they leave any thoughts or concerns about disabilities behind once they arrive.' Tom DeBlois, Board President

Stewart plans to be one of the original campers on hand Friday for an open house and another ribbon-cutting to celebrate the camp's golden anniversary.

Tom DeBlois, president of the board, said one thing has stayed the same for campers over the 50 years.

"I think they leave any thoughts or concerns about disabilities behind once they arrive."

Camp Gencheff offers day and overnight programs for children, teens, and adults. About 160 people use the facility in the summer.

Friday's open house runs from 4 to 7 p.m.