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Camp Lakewood Questions and Answers

Easter Seals Announces Decision to Sell Lakewood Camp Property

Q: Why didn’t you sell Lakewood in 2002 when you sold the other camps?

A: In 2002, we required the capacity of three camps to accommodate all of the children who wanted to attend camp. With the revitalization and cabin expansion that has since taken place at Woodeden and Merrywood, we are now able to meet the full demand for camp at two sites.

Q: Why did you choose Woodeden and Merrywood instead of Lakewood?

A: Prior to launching our camp revitalization plan two years ago, we undertook an analysis to determine the future potential for development of each site. Many factors were considered including: condition of the existing infrastructure; geographic location; donor funds designated to specific camps and potential for future development. Based on the evaluation of all sites, it was determined that Woodeden and Merrywood were the best fit for the revitalization investment.

Q: Why don’t you renovate Lakewood the same way you are with Woodeden and Merrywood?

A: The costs associated with redeveloping a specialized camp are high.  Easter Seals Camps Woodeden and Merrywood were better suited for such redevelopment. It is more efficient to expand and operate two camps rather than three. Considerations for redevelopment included the condition of buildings, weather conditions such as high winds and blowing sand and programming opportunities.

Q: Why are you doing this now (at this time of year)?

A: The fall is when planning takes place for the next summer camp season. As camper applications and staff hiring begins in mid-December, decisions such as this must be made now. We wanted to inform all of our stakeholders as soon as possible after the decision was made.

Q: Why isn’t Easter Seals donating this property to another camp?

A: The sale of the Lakewood property will generate a substantial amount of revenue, which Easter Seals will reinvest for the benefit of the children we serve. Easter Seals is not in a financial position to forego the proceeds from the sale and donate a property of this value to another organization. The property will be put on the open market and sold for a fair market value.

Q: If local groups raise enough funds will Easter Seals keep Lakewood open?

A: No. Unfortunately, funds are not the only factor. We truly believe that Easter Seals kids will have the optimum camp experience at Woodeden and Merrywood. This decision was made after a great deal of consideration and is in the best interest of the kids and their stated preferences for a summer camping experience.

Q: What is the process for selling the camp?

A:  We will hire a real estate firm that will do a current market valuation of the property to determine its listing price. Further details on the listing price and how to submit and offer will be made available in the coming months.

Q: Will local supporters have a say in who the camp is sold to?

A: No. The Easter Seals Board of Directors will make the final decision.

Q: You have now closed three of five camps. When are you going to sell the next camp?

A: Easter Seals has no plans to sell the other camps. In fact, we have already invested $4 million over the past two years to revitalize Woodeden and Merrywood. We have provided specialized camping programs for over 65 years and camping remains a cornerstone of Easter Seals.

Q: What are you going to do with the money generated from the sale of the property?

A: We intend to reinvest the net proceeds from the sale in programs and services including the further revitalization of the two remaining camp sites, so that children with physical disabilities can enjoy a summer camping experience that challenges their abilities, gives them the opportunity to make friends and, most of all, enables them to have fun.

Q: How many kids with physical disabilities go to Easter Seals camps each summer?

A: In 2005, Easter Seals camps served 526 kids with physical disabilities.

Q: Without Lakewood, how many kids with physical disabilities will Easter Seals be able to serve at camp?

A: In 2006, Easter Seals Camps Woodeden and Merrywood will have the capacity to serve 559 kids at summer camp.

Q: How many kids from the local area (ie. the Niagara area) attended Easter Seals camp in 2005?

A: In 2005, 24 kids from surrounding communities from Burlington to Niagara Falls & Fort Erie attended Easter Seals camps (breakdown: Lakewood: 2; Merrywood: 5; Woodeden 17).  In addition, 30 children accessed a total of $14,263 from our Recreational Choices Funding Program to attend a recreational activity of their choice.

Q: How much do you expect to get from the sale of the property?

A: We will sell the property to the buyer who meets or exceeds fair market value.

Q: Once you have received funds from the sale, when will you start Phase 2 of your capital build?

A: Easter Seals’ board of directors intends to use the proceeds of the sale to invest in the More Choices for More Kids campaign, which includes camp renovations. However, the proceeds from the sale will not completely cover the cost of Phase 2 of the camp redevelopment. We will not begin Phase 2 of the camp revitalization until we have the total funds required.

To continue to move forward with our vision, Easter Seals continues to seek approximately $6 million of new capital to complete the modernization of Woodeden and Merrywood camps.

Q: Rather than selling the Lakewood camp property, why doesn’t Easter Seals reduce its operating costs?

A: Easter Seals has reduced its operating costs by 26 per cent since 2002 (22 per cent in 2003 and a further four per cent in 2004). The organization has undertaken further cost cutting measures in 2005 and has additional plans for 2006. These cost reduction strategies will not limit the services provided to Easter Seals children. 

As a non-profit organization we continually strive to reduce our costs and operating two camps rather than three will provide the organization with significant cost savings while still serving the same number of children in modernized facilities.

Q: Will there be an opportunity to visit the camp one last time?

A: While we understand it is hard to say goodbye unfortunately there will not be an opportunity to visit Lakewood as the property will not be operational.

Q: Can we purchase any items from the camp?

A: No, all of the items from Lakewood Camp will be transferred to Camps Woodeden and Merrywood for continued use and enjoyment by Easter Seals’ children. All recognition plaques and mementos from service clubs and donors will also be proudly displayed at the two camps in recognition of the outstanding support provided to Easter Seals camp.

Q: Was this property donated to Easter Seals?

A: The Lakewood property was obtained by Easter Seals in two sections. Easter Seals purchased Lot 17 from Muir Graybiel for $50,000 in 1953. In 1956, an adjacent piece of property, Lot 16, was left to Easter Seals in the estate of Mary Emily Minor (Ralph Everett Minor had previous left the property to his wife and she left this property to Easter Seals).