FISHKILL, N.Y. (Jan. 4, 2012) – Elant at Fishkill brought together people of all ages for recreation, education and communication at the community’s first-ever Intergenerational Camporee on Oct. 8.
The Intergenerational Camporee paired Webelo Scouts No. 1 from Pack 37 in Pine Bush, with 30 residents from Elant at Fishkill’s 160-bed skilled nursing home facility for a day. Twelve Scouts, siblings and family members set up tents, played games, built a camp fire and cooked out, sharing s’mores, memories and music with Elant residents.
The Camporee also featured a Civil War re-enactment on the South Lawn of Elant at Fishkill by the 124th New York State Volunteers, known as the “Orange Blossoms,” a re-enactment group from Orange County. The soldiers marched into the camporee in full uniform, demonstrated how to shoot a musket and pitched an authentic Civil War tent to the enjoyment of the Scouts and residents.
One of the highlights of the evening was a campfire sing-along with the legendary Pete Seeger. Seeger’s songs and accompanying stories taught the Scouts an important lesson in history and social justice.
“This Intergenerational Camporee was fun for both the Scouts and seniors,” said Elant at Fishkill Director of Activities Pat Roza. “The Scouts had the opportunity to earn badges, receive a history lesson from the Civil War Re-enactment, learn about Scouting of the past from the seniors, and even got the opportunity to roast marshmallows and teach the seniors the art of making s’mores.”
George Michaels, Administrator of Elant at Fishkill, is also a Scout leader for his son Gregory’s den. The two were participants in the Camporee, and helped facilitate the event. The residents and Scouts alike had a wonderful experience, and Elant at Fishkill hopes to make the Camporee an annual event.
“This was wonderful!” said 92-year-old resident Bea Russo. “I was a Girl Scout leader. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had toasted marshmallows and a sing-along around a campfire?”
About Elant Inc.
Elant was founded in 1985 in Goshen, N.Y., as a 120-bed not-for-profit, community-based nursing home. Elant offers seven locations, as well as in-home and day treatment programs, throughout the region. It offers a broad spectrum of services that provides for the needs of more than 3,500 people. Elant provides a full continuum of care including Sub-Acute Care and Rehabilitation Services, Nursing Home Care, Assisted Living, Adult Day Care, Retirement Community Living, Home Health Care and a Managed Long Term Care Plan.
