On Wednesday, July 22, welcomed first responders from across the region to campus for its annual Community Day, giving more than 100 campers and summer program participants the opportunity to meet the people who help keep our communities safe.
The interactive event provided campers with an up-close look at the important work of police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders. Participants had the chance to interact with emergency personnel, learn more about their roles, and ask questions in a fun and welcoming environment.
For many of our campers, Community Day is about more than seeing emergency vehicles and meeting first responders. It’s an opportunity to build familiarity and confidence while developing a greater understanding of the people they may encounter during an emergency.
We are incredibly grateful to the many local departments and emergency service organizations that joined us for the day, including:
- Lansdale Borough Police Department
- Lower Gwynedd Township Police Department
- Lower Providence Township Police Department
- Lower Salford Township Police Department
- Plymouth Township Police Department
- Rockledge Borough Police Department
- West Norriton Police Department
- East Norriton Township Police Department
- Skippack Fire Company
- Whitpain Township Police Department
- Hatfield Police Department
- Lower Providence Fire Department
- Upper Merion Township Fire and EMS
- Norristown Fire Department
- Whitemarsh Township Police Department
- Worcester Fire Department
- VMSC Emergency Medical Services
Community partner Allan Myers also joined the fun with a tri-axle truck, giving participants another exciting opportunity to explore and learn about equipment used in our community.
After a morning of learning and hands-on experiences, campers and guests gathered for a barbecue lunch made possible through the generosity of Wegmans, Wawa, Herr’s, and Allan Myers.
Volunteers from Wegmans, SEI and Central Schwenkfelder Church generously gave their time to grill and serve lunch, helping make the day even more special for our participants.
Community Day is a wonderful reminder of what happens when local organizations come together to create meaningful experiences for children and young adults with disabilities. We are so thankful to every first responder, volunteer, community partner, and sponsor who helped make this year’s event a success.
Thank you to 6abc & NBC10 for capturing the day!
