Overlooking Kaler's Pond in Center Moriches, it's been a summer haven for kids for over 70 years, and now Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck will have a huge new swimming pool thanks to the generous donations of its many supporters.
Operating on a wooded 37-acre park entirely with private donations, the camp started in 1941 as a summer opportunity for children afflicted with Polio. Adhering to their motto, "Service Above Self," the Rotarians pledged never to lose contact with the campers and have created a wonderful experience for Suffolk kids with special needs.
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The new $1.2 million pool will have a long, gentle slope into deeper waters where kids can just get their feet wet to four-and-a-half feet deep where they can really try out their strokes, explained Steve Kronman, president of the Moriches Rotary Health Camp, which runs the popular summer hide-away. "This will be wonderful for the kids and make their summer camp experience even better," he said, noting that the facility will also feature a spray deck for kids to splash around and cool off.
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Coming up will be the camp's premier fundraising event, the 35th Annual Spooky Walk on October 20, 21, 27, and 28, from 7-9 p.m. For more information, visit www.spookywalk.com. Other events beneficial to the camp are the annual Fuoco Golf "Feastival" and the annual Oktoberfest. The camp is also the site of Bradfest and is the beneficiary of many donations from the Moriches and Patchogue Rotaries and other service organizations, as well as the Sweezey-Knapp Foundation and the many contributors of the Pa-Qua-Tuck Squaws.
Next on the list is the refurbishment of the Fuoco Cabin and the installation of solar panels on the Stout Building, named for former Brookhaven Supervisor August Stout, one of the early Rotarians who helped start the camp.
"I simply can't say enough about Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, the staff, and its beautiful setting," said parent Jen Hildreth. "Tyler spent two weeks at the camp this summer and, as always, he loved it!"
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Robert Chartuk
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