Aaron's Acres Summer Camps To Move To ELANCO Area

In October of 2021, Risa Paskoff, executive director of Aaron's Acres, was informed that the Manheim Community Pool, where Aaron's Acres has held its summer camp, would not reopen in the spring. "In 30 days, we researched about 30 community pools," said Paskoff. "Our team was amazing. We had to find a place."

When a relative of a board member suggested the New Holland Community Pool and Park, in the 400 block of Jackson Street, New Holland, Aaron's Acres staff members reached out to set up a meeting before Thanksgiving 2021. "(New Holland representatives) were more than accommodating," said Paskoff. "We needed an indoor facility if the weather was bad. We needed accessible bathrooms. They had everything." Paskoff noted she specifically worked with pool manager Leo Ward, office manager Paula Walsh, and borough manager Dick Fulcher. "The pool will be open for us until noon so we can have the pool to ourselves (in the mornings)," said Paskoff, who added that New Holland representatives have been welcoming and supportive, and she is excited about using the park.

For more than 20 years, Aaron's Acres has provided socialization and recreation for children and young adults with special needs ages 5 to 21. The nonprofit organization held camp at the Jewish Community Center in Lancaster until 2013. Starting in 2014, the program was hosted by the Manheim Community Pool and Memorial Park. In 2019, more than 200 took part in camp. During 2020, Aaron's Acres held virtual camp for 50 campers. In 2021, in-person camp was held, and the organization served 30 campers per two-week session. In 2022, camps will be held on weekdays from Monday, June 20, to Friday, July 1; Monday, July 11, to Friday, July 22; and Monday, July 25, to Friday, Aug. 5.

For several years now, Aaron's Acres has been seeking a home of its own in the northern part of the county. On Paskoff's wish list is housing for therapy alpacas, along with sheep, goats, and chickens. A property with space to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers would give the organization the opportunity to expand the Aaron's Acres Plus program, which began offering activities for 22- to 30-year-olds in early 2019. Among the activities planned for adult clients are farming, working with the animals, and taking part in Aaron's Acres Acts of Kindness Program (Triple AOK), which allows participants with developmental disabilities to give back to others. Paskoff also hopes Aaron's Acres can open a cafe to be manned by participants. "We are hoping to kick off a capital campaign in 2022," said Paskoff, who noted the organization is looking for an existing building to renovate to meet its needs.

More information about Aaron's Acres may be found at http://www.aaronsacres.org.