Forty years ago, Camp Chipewee started in June Wegert's Monroeville living room.
Since then, the camp, a summer recreational program for mentally and physically challenged youths, has expanded and become a staple in the municipality.
"It just kept blooming and blooming and blooming," Wegert said.
The camp, which has six one-week sessions that began last month, offers physical activities, arts and crafts, swimming and field trips. Although it is open to ages 6 to 21, older people sometime attend. Wegert's son, Tracy, 45, still participates in the camp's swimming activities.
Jane Fraelich's son, Lee, 36, has been going to the camp on and off since he was a child.
"I'm glad he has something to do and that he enjoys it," she said. "He doesn't talk, but you will hear his exclamations as soon as he gets out of the car to get in."
Amanda Jonnet, 27, has volunteered and worked in all capacities at the camp. Her father, Rich Jonnet, was camp director when she and her sister, Kelley, were children.
"Once you are a part of Camp Chipewee, no matter how far removed you are, you can't leave," she said. "When we were little, my dad would say, 'You can go to grandma's or you can come to camp with me. We're going to Chuck E. Cheese's this week,' " she said.
"We went to Chuck E. Cheese's, obviously. We were young, but we were very, very helpful."
She hasn't missed a summer working or volunteering since. This year, Kelley will serve as camp director. Although it's hard work, she said, the campers make it a rewarding experience.
"We've gone to Kennywood, and that's really fun because some of them have never been there. To see some of them ride a roller coaster and eat Potato Patch french fries, it's such a fun experience to see that.
"You take those things for granted because you can do it whenever you want to, but to see it through their eyes is just awesome."
Wegert said she's happy to see the camp grow through the years.
"I am so elated over this," she said. "It's something that has been needed, and we had nothing when we started. ... I hope it goes on for 40 more and 40 more years."
Additional Information:Special camp, special people
What : Camp Chipewee, which offers physical activities, arts and crafts, swimming and field trips for physically and mentally challenged youths ages 6 to 21
When : Six one-week sessions continuing through the end of the month
Where : Moss Side Middle School, 9000 Gateway Campus Blvd., Monroeville
Cost : $11 per day for residents and $22 for nonresidents.
For details or to register : Call 412-856-1006.
