[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13508]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE COMPLETION OF THE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TREEHOUSE 
                          AT CRADLE BEACH CAMP

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2005

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the completion of 
the state of New York's first wheelchair accessible treehouse at Cradle 
Beach Camp in Angola. This 650 square foot structure that sits among 
the trees eleven feet above the ground is another important chapter in 
Cradle Beach Camp's mission to provide rewarding and educational summer 
camp experience to children with disadvantages or special needs. This 
innovative treehouse will provide a valuable learning and recreational 
asset for wheelchair-bound campers.
  Since 1888 Cradle Beach Camp has provided rewarding summer break fun 
and learning to disabled children and children who would often not be 
able to attend a camp. Now approximately 900 children every year are 
given an unforgettable experience, participating in energetic and 
entertaining activities while learning about themselves as well as 
their new friends.
  The activities of Cradle Beach Camp are organized to follow the 40 
developmental assets that have been identified by the Search 
Institute--an organization that provides resources to promote healthy 
children. By focusing on a child's development, the Cradle Beach Camp 
program helps their attendees learn about themselves and steer them 
away from damaging and dangerous activities later in life.
  Cradle Beach Camp has always looked for challenges and innovative 
ways to enhance the stay of their campers. Cradle Beach's newest 
project is no different. The camp has overseen construction of a large 
treehouse capable of allowing children in wheelchairs to study and 
enjoy themselves in the treetops. This large treehouse capable of 
fitting 25 people will allow all campers to appreciate the simple joy 
of spending time surrounded by nature.
  In closing Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize this great achievement by 
the inspirational Cradle Beach Camp whose mission in its own words is 
``to provide children with a chance to learn more about themselves and 
their abilities, instead of their limitations.'' I would also like to 
recognize the generosity of the people of Western New York whose 
donations and volunteer efforts have made this project possible. Just 
as it has done many times in the past, the Cradle Beach Staff led by 
its president, Jeannine L. Higgins, and many other Western New Yorkers, 
have provided generously to help the mission of this wonderful camp 
continue well into the future.

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