Accessibility celebrated at Camp Jordan

JORDAN FALLS, N.S. — Camp Jordan is now wheelchair accessible.
Supporters, dignitaries and alumni gathered at the Shelburne County summer camp in Jordan Falls that is owned and operated by the Shelburne County United Baptist Association (SCUBA) on July 20 for the official dedication and grand opening as a wheelchair accessible facility. 
Established in 1962, Camp Jordan has been at its current location since 1964.  “Camp Jordan isn’t just SCUBA’s camp, its Shelburne County’s camp,” said David Hopper. “Camp Jordan plays an important part in our community for young people not just today but in the past …  Its amazing to see the changes that have gone on … it's exciting to see the enthusiasm and energy that has been put into the camp.”
Propelled by a grant of almost $10,000 by 100 Women of Shelburne County Who Care, Camp Jordan was able to leverage a $14,000 grant from the federal government’s Enabling Accessibility Fund to build wheelchair accessible washrooms in the main lodge, wheelchair chair accessible ramps and paths to the boys’ and girls’ cabins and wheelchair accessible decks. All the work was done by volunteer labour. 
Camp Jordan also has a new wheelchair accessible activity centre, erected last year with the help of a $35,000 donation from the Atlantic Baptist Foundation.
“Camp Jordan is a true leader in accessibility,” said Shelburne Municipal Warden Penny Smith.  “The municipality also recognizes the need to make public spaces accessible” and is looking at hiring a consultant to develop an accessibility design plan for Welkum Park.
“When we think about an inclusive community, it is one that values everyone and helps meets their basic needs so they can live with dignity, engage actively and contribute to the community,” said Smith. “What Camp Jordan has accomplished and what the municipality is planning are initiatives that are leading the way towards such a community where people are supported and valued.”
South Shore St. Margaret’s MP Minister Bernadette Jordan was also in attendance to offer her congratulations. “Hats off to all of you for making sure volunteers continue to be a part of this community, 
that we have the spaces that we need to make sure children and young people feel welcome, and to continue to make sure we grow coastal communities.”
Summer camp begins at Camp Jordan on Aug. 4.