16 • The Beacon March 13 , 2025

By Jen Jones

For The Beacon

According to their website , Echoing Hills Camp exists to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities to know and experience Jesus Christ . They assist people with disabilities with residential , recreational , educational and adult services . To help accomplish these goals , Echoing Hills offers several weeklong summer camps for children and adults with disabilities .

Harley Comisford , employee communications specialist for Echoing Hills Village , said while many of the weeks are currently filled , she encourages families to join the waiting lists for the weeks they are interested in , as the camp believes as they hire more summer staff , they will be able to accommodate many more campers .

To apply for a camp , go to their website at www . ehvi . org and follow the links to the camper application . Once the application is reviewed , the camp will reach out to the parents / provider and share with the family what is available for their camper .

The weeklong camps are filled with all types of activities , from side-byside rides and ax throwing to horseback riding and swimming .

Nurses for Veterans will host a quarter auction on Saturday , March 22 . Doors will open at 11 a . m ., and the auction will begin at 11:30 a . m . at the Moose Lodge of Coshocton # 935 , 120 Main St ., Coshocton .

There will be vendor booths , a 50 / 50 , a food stand and raffle baskets .

A $ 5 admission ticket entitles the holder to one quarter auction paddle . Additional paddles can be purchased at the door while supplies last .

Proceeds will be donated to Operation Veterans Helping Veterans . This local nonprofit group assists veterans of Coshocton County who are in need .

Offering Products from the

“ We have an accessible pool , so many of our campers get to experience swimming for the first time in their lives ,” Comisford said .

Every week also includes special events such as a talent show . Chapel services are every night , and service at Cross Hill ends the week .

Echoing Hills is looking for volunteers and counselors for its summer programs .

Counselors help the campers with their personal care and sleep in the cabins with the campers , and they are responsible for their team of campers . Volunteers cannot supervise campers or help with their care but are needed to help with camp activities .

“ Both counselors and volunteers build relationships with the campers throughout each week , and campers often refer to their counselors and volunteers as best friends as they head home ,” Comisford said .

The biggest qualification for staff and volunteers at the camp is they love Jesus and want to love his people .

Volunteers can help in the kitchen or cleaning and with activities or work projects .

“ There are so many ways that people can volunteer , whether it ’ s setting up and helping lead activities , helping serve meals , doing beautification projects around camp , or being a swim buddy ,” Comisford said .

No experience is necessary to be either a counselor or volunteer . Counselors must attend a week of orientation that includes first aid , CPR , how to do personal care and more . Volunteers who will be with campers more than 48 hours also must do the training and complete

a background check . Volunteers can be any age , but those under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them at all times .

Orientation will begin June 1 , and the first week of camp will start June 8 . Counselors can choose to work for the full summer ( June 1 through Aug . 1 ) or for five weeks including their orientation week . First-year counselors receive $ 400 per week , and anyone who works the full summer receives a bonus at the end of the summer .

Volunteers can choose when and how much they are able to help .

“ Many volunteers come in groups and spend an entire week at camp . We also have pastors , bands and others come in to lead worship or chapel for a night ,” Comisford said . “ Serving at Camp Echoing Hills , whether as a staff or volunteer , is a life-changing experience . Not only do we get to care for these

“ Both counselors and volunteers build relationships with the campers throughout each week , and campers often refer to their counselors and volunteers as best friends as they head home .”

Harley Comisford , employee communications specialist for Echoing Hills Village

individuals physically , but we get to share the love of Jesus with them and help them learn to love him more .

“ There is no greater earthly joy than seeing our campers come to know and love Jesus and know they were made in his image . Don ’ t let your nerves or lack of experience deter you from joining us here at camp . Just come with a willing heart and let the Lord use you in ways only he can .”

Anyone interested in being a counselor or a volunteer can call Comisford at Echoing Hills at 740- 327-2311 ext . 1163 .