Signature HealthCARE of Putnam County has recently launched a summer camp, entitled Camp Signature. The purpose of the summer camp is to build lasting relationships between our residents (elders) and children.
Camp Signature’s initial camp was last summer where employees brought their children, ages five and above, to work. “Last year we had between four and six children here daily interacting with our elders. This year we have seen the numbers rise to twelve on a consistent basis,†stated Lee Rooney, Signature of Putnam’s CEO. The added benefit is for the stakeholders, who get to bring their children to work and do not have to worry about finding someone to watch them. “It certainly is a win-win for everyone. Stakeholders are able to save a significant amount of money not having to pay for childcare during the summer months, and our elders enjoy having the presence of children in our facility to interact with,†added Rooney.
The residents and children engage in a full day of activities each day the camp is offered. There is a theme for each week, such as Super Hero Week, Wet-N-Wild Week, and Under the Sea. Some of the activities include a water balloon toss/fight, super hero training, a petting zoo, and bouncy house fun.
There are some activities that just involve the children, while others incorporate the elders into them. This program is a great opportunity for children to build relationships with the elders and learn new things from them, and the elders have enjoyed participating in the activities and being with all of the children.
“I am convinced there is no better equation than placing children and elders in each other’s lives with the purpose of growing community,†said Angie McAllister, director of quality of life. “When planting the seeds of culture change in a nursing home environment, watering it with initiatives such as this will only stimulate growth and the true feeling of “home†that we are all searching for.â€
The purpose of this program is to lift a weight off of the parents’ shoulders, and also to create an environment that is fun and exciting for the children and elders.
For more information about Camp Signature, contact Shelley West, Quality of Life Director at 931-537-6524. Additional pictures can also be found on the Signature HealthCARE of Putnam County’s Facebook page.