West Orange Elks Hold Day Of Service At Camp Moore

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of West Orange Elks Lodge #1590. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Members of Elks Lodges from West Orange, Cedar Grove and South Orange recently made a summer trip to the Ramapo Mountains to visit and serve the children attending Elks Camp Moore. This camp is designed specifically for special needs children. It is the New Jersey Elks’ State Project, coordinated through their Special Children’s Committee. With the support of every New Jersey Elks Lodge, Camp Moore provides scholarships and a 1:1 camper to staff ratio for all of the children.

According to the New Jersey Elks website, “Elks Camp Moore offers a fun filled vacation away from home for children with special needs. A week at Elks Camp Moore is a remarkable experience not soon to be forgotten. The primary goal of the camp is to further develop the recreational and social skills of each child. In a relaxed and accepting atmosphere, each camper experiences new adventures, lasting friendships, and opportunities that promote independence and greater self-confidence.”

Each Elks Lodge throughout the state spends a year raising money to send for the special needs children in their vicinity to Camp. All students receive scholarships through their local Elks Lodge. The West Orange Lodge typically raises money throughout the year through fundraising dinners, purchases in the Grille Room and special events.

“The campers range between the ages of 7 and 21 years old and receive a 1 staff to 1 camper ratio (some independent campers share 1 staff to 2 campers). With this high camper ratio we are able to provide campers with the best experience possible and allow the staff members to focus their attention and time appropriately. Campers participate in a 7 day program (Sunday late afternoon - Saturday morning). The camp provides campers and staff with fully air conditioned facilities, wifi, cabin refrigerators ... .Campers participate in 5 main camp programs that include, Arts & Crafts, Music & Movement, Swimming, Sports & Recreation and Nature & Science. Every day is individually themed allowing creativity, expression and change in the schedule,” states the Elks Camp Moore page on Camp America

August 2nd was a Day of Service at Camp Moore for West Orange Exalted Ruler Cathy Lodge and fellow West Orange Elks; Terry Smith, Mary Kostecki, Carmine Luciano, Jim Walsh, and Bobby Cassidy. They were accompanied by Cedar Grove Exalted Ruler E.R. Ken Dransfield & Jody Dransfield and Jim Walsh of the South Orange Elks.

The Elk volunteers spent the day interacting with campers, serving meals (and clean-up!) and they even hired Jinx the Clown for some balloon animal entertainment. Terri Smith said, “It was an absolutely fabulous day. The Camp is amazing and the children are having a blast. Plus, it was a pleasure to serve with my Elk friends. I will definitely do this again.”

With over 2000 Lodges across the United States, Elks Mission states, “”...the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.”

For more information about Elks Lodges visit www.Elks.org or contact your local Lodge. West Orange Lodge #1590 is located on Main St. and can be reached on Facebook or by calling 973-731-9177.

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