Camp Wah-Wah-Tay See on Baldwin Lake in Greenville has swimming, fishing, and boating. And because of a Greenville Area Community Foundation Access to Recreation grant, there’s also a paved, accessible trail to reach it all. 

“This path makes the camp more open and safe for our campers and the people of the community,” said Bob Hemmingsen, director of the camp that serves people of all ages with special needs. 

Established in 1964, the camp hosts adults and children who have received or are receiving special education services, regardless of age or ability to pay. Hemmingsen said campers receive an overnight camping experience, three healthy meals a day, and an appreciation of being “unplugged” in nature, along with the rest of a traditional summer camp package: a talent show, crafts, songs and s’mores around a firepit, and a waterfront with paddleboats and canoes.  

Campers aren’t the only ones to benefit. “Many families are given a much-needed respite while knowing that their loved one is well cared for and having an exciting time with friends,” he said. “Without the GACF and its supporters we would not be able to provide this experience.” 

In addition to allowing for the path upgrade, the grant provided funds for a handicap accessible playground open to the public that allows everyone, regardless of ability, to play. 

Camp buildings are maintained by the Greenville Optimist Club, which also helps with fundraising along with EightCap who oversee the staff and finances, while the City of Greenville owns the property. 

“It really does take a village to make an impactful change in a community,” Hemmingsen said, noting another recent GACF grant helped make very necessary upgrades to camp bathrooms and showers. “Everyone wants to feel like they are part of a community that cares about them, and thanks to the GAFC and its contributors the campers of Wah-Wah-Tay-See are. Seeing the campers’ smiles when they arrive, listening to the laughter during the week and hearing “see you next year” being shouted from the car windows as they pull away, are some of the most rewarding parts.” 

Hemmingsen feels the support of the camp not only creates an experience for campers and their families, but also the rotating crew of recent high school graduate counselors that step into role of cheerleader, nurse, janitor, teacher, parent, and friend.  

“They learn something about themselves,” he said, noting that many former staff have gone on to teaching, health care, and public safety careers, continuing to make an impact in their own communities. “Thanks to the GACF and the philanthropy of others, countless communities all over America, are a little better because of their support of the Greenville Optimist Camp Wah-Wah-Tay-See.” 

As GACF celebrates its 35th anniversary, we bring together the collective stories of donors, nonprofits, students, and community members to demonstrate the power of philanthropy in creating lasting impact and a stronger future.