Save Camp Hemlocks

For over 60 years, Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks has created memories, helped create life long friendships, and has been a safe and comforting place for people with physical and developmental disabilities. I have been a camper at the camp in Hebron, Connecticut for over 20 years. As a person with a degenerative muscle disease, Camp Hemlocks has shown me the power of love and independence. 

I recently received an email from Alycia Williams, Director of Camp Hemlocks stating, “It is with a heavy heart to announce that we will close Camp Hemlocks”. In an article in PRNewswire-USNewswire, “The organization's decision to close the camp was driven by financial reasons”. This is extremely upsetting to me as a long time camper and as an Adult Ambassador for more than 15 years. The article mentioned that the camp will close later this fall. “After an extensive review, this was the best decision for the organization and the people we serve," said Dr. Roslyn D. Burton-Robertson, PhD, Executive Director of Easter Seals.

This is NOT the best decision for the hundreds of youth and adult campers who call Camp Hemlocks their “home away from home”. Jackie W. of Massachusetts was shocked when she heard that Camp Hemlocks was closing. She said, "A lot of people are going to be upset".

I am not only deeply saddened by this news but I implore all members, campers, volunteers, and donors past and present to express their feelings of sadness and disappointment by contacting Easter Seals, and all media connections. We must stop Camp Hemlocks from closing. We also have the responsibility of speaking up for all the campers who cannot express or communicate their feelings.

Please save Camp Hemlocks!

Executive Director

Dr. Roslyn D. Burton-Robertson, PhD (203) 388-2192

Easter Seals Coastal Fairfield County, 733 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06901

Camp Director

Alycia Williams 1-860-228-9496