Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman traveled to Connecticut’s Southern Shoreline to visit the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Camp Harkness.  Sometimes called the “Gem” of DDS, Camp Harkness was certainly sparkling for Lt. Governor Wyman.  Under clear blue skies with a steady breeze, the Lt. Governor had a tour of the camp which hosts more than 20,000 visitors a year and 200 campers each week during the summer months.

Greeted by DDS Commissioner Terrence W. Macy, Ph.D., Connecticut Deputy Speaker of the House Elizabeth B. Ritter,  Deputy Commissioner Joseph W. Drexler and South Regional Director Thomas Daily, Lt. Governor Wyman boarded the camp train for a ride out to the beach and to see some of the recent upgrades to the camp.

Lt. Governor greets campers and families.

Over the past year, DDS has spent more than $675,000 to refurbish and upgrade the camp.  Some of those improvements included; the refurbishing of the dining hall, newly design accessible bathrooms for some of the cabins, complete renovation of the Camp Office and many more smaller projects around the grounds.

“It is our pleasure to have the Lt. Governor here at Camp Harkness,” said Commissioner Macy. “She has always been an advocate for individuals with disabilities and it was wonderful for her to spend some time with our campers and staff”.

The Lt. Governor greeted campers and their families along the way.  With a stop at the beach front she was able to see recent enhancements.  The beach offers a wheelchair accessible boardwalk and play scape as well as pavilions for camp or family cookouts and a beach side bath house.

Before heading out to her next event, Lt. Governor Wyman toured the newly renovated dining hall and cabins.  Camp Director Vicky Severin and South Region Assistant Director Carin Mancini also had time to talk about the history of the camp and explain all the activities available for campers and their families.