DUNKIRK, N.Y. (WKBW) — Each summer, families travel from across the region to spend a weekend at the One Piece at a Time camp at the Dunkirk Camp and Conference Center. For many of them, it is one of the few places where they feel they truly belong.
The camp, which focuses on supporting children with autism and their families, has grown from five families at its founding to 21 this year, with seven of those being first-time attendees. Camp Director Jennifer Vacanti said the growth reflects how much the experience means to those who come.
"It has been such a wonderful experience," Vacanti said. "Every year getting to this point, it's so much work, it's so much work, but it is so worth it in the long run. You saw all of those happy faces, all of those people loving it, trying things they've never done before and just being able to give the experience to people who've never been able to come."
Vacanti said the camp started simply, after a colleague encouraged her to create a space for families with children on the autism spectrum. When she hesitated, the idea of a family camp, where parents could attend alongside their children, made it feel possible. She recalled a moment from that first year that has stayed with her.
"One of the moms was like, 'Thank you so much for doing this. We've never been able to do this as a family,'" Vacanti said. "I said, 'Camp?' She said, 'Roast marshmallows.' And I was like, oh my gosh. It's the little things."
Central to the camp experience is the buddy system, which pairs each camper with a one-on-one volunteer. Stephanie Lotito, a parent from the Buffalo area attending her third year with three of her children, said the buddies make a meaningful difference.
"Most of our children who are autistic struggle with friendships and with social interaction and communication, and this environment here really supports them in more than one way," Lotito said.
"I'm sorry I get emotional because it's really hard sometimes to find a place where your kid fits in, and this place is just really supportive," she said. "All of our kids struggle and it doesn't matter who's having a bad day, we're all here to support each other and there's no judgment around it."
Lotito's 15-year-old daughter, who is neurotypical, volunteered at the camp this year as a buddy for another family. Lotito said watching that connection form has been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.
The camp also draws families from out of state. A mother traveling from Ohio with her son said the trip is worth it every year.
"The buddy system with him like around like 24/7, just to meet new friends, new experiences, going through the same problems as other parents are going through," she said. "There's nothing like it really."
Beyond the activities, the camp creates space for parents to connect with one another and access resources. Vacanti brings in guest speakers each year to address topics like educational advocacy and care management. This year's theme was safari, complete with a visiting zoo, themed crafts, and a Saturday night dance.
WATCH: Dunkirk camp gives special needs families a place to belong each summer
Caroline Wanat, a returning volunteer in her fifth year with the camp, said the experience has changed how she sees the world.
"You just see things that they see, you see life through their eyes and you begin to appreciate the little things, and it's truly inspiring to me," Wanat said.
She added that the camp is open to all children, not only those with special needs.
"This camp is super inclusive, so even if there's one kid that has autism or a special need, you can still bring typical kids who don't have autism or special needs and they will still get paired up with a buddy and they can have a fun camp experience too," Wanat said.
Anne Wilmot, who has served as camp manager for 20 years, said the Dunkirk Camp and Conference Center offers programs year-round, from youth and family camps to specialty weekends, swim lessons, and day camps. But she said One Piece at a Time holds a special place.
"You're here with other families that are having the same things going on in their lives as you are," Wilmot said. "It's nice to be able to have a place to come and just enjoy yourself."
Jill Nowicki, vice president of the board of trustees at the Dunkirk Camp and Conference Center, is attending her second year with her nephew. Her own children are fourth-generation campers at the facility.
"In a world that may not make sense all the time, this is a place of tradition where we know every summer we come here and it's a place of acceptance," Nowicki said. "I think everybody finds their place here.
