SPECIAL PLACE: Two words that carry a lot of meaning for
Bradford folks – Camp Cornplanter – were brought back to memory in
a note from Craig A. Steinkamp of Warren in early May:

“After going to dig leeks last weekend, I drove back on
Longhouse Drive and my memory jogged as I drove by the Camp
Cornplanter site. Though the buildings were destroyed by the USFS
and the grounds are growing wild once again, I can still visualize
the campers running, playing, and enjoying themselves at swimming,
ball playing, crafts, etc.,” he writes.

Craig writes to us about his father’s involvement with this
special place, a story we’ll tell you today and tomorrow.

Craig goes on: “In 1959 my father Paul W. Steinkamp was the
original Camp Cornplanter director, appointed by the ARC. He had
been active with mentally and physical handicapped citizens for
many years prior to this along with high school and YMCA swimming
coach.”

“He directed many camps, including Camp Lutherlin and Camp
Sherwin along with various camps such as Pioneer Ranch setting up
water front safety while being the Warren County American Red Cross
water front safety director.

“Cliff and Annabelle Bollinger had a special needs child that
they desperately wanted to have the opportunity to live life’s
activities as other children did so they wanted to start a camp for
special needs but didn’t know where to begin.

“Cliff worked at Struthers-Wells as did Paul Steinkamp and
knowing Paul’s rich background in this area they went to him for
the groundwork.

“To make this camp a reality and secure the funding there were a
few requirement that had to be met such as experienced camp
director, educated special needs personnel, and someone that knew
the funding requirements.

“The experience of past camp directing that Paul W. Steinkamp
had was not a problem, and working with a fantastic lady from the
Sharon, Pa., area by the name of Mable Hahn she knew the funding
requirements, second to none, now they needed someone with a
college degree in special education. That’s where Andy Randas, a
teacher for the Warren County school district stepped up and wanted
to be involved with this ‘Pilot Project.'”

We conclude tomorrow.