Easterseals Washington’s Camp Stand By Me Celebrates 50 Years of Independence and Adventure

This year marks a significant milestone for Easterseals Washington’s Camp Stand By Me as they celebrate 50 years of providing transformative camp and recreation experiences for children and adults with disabilities. Founded in 1974 thanks to the generous legacy of Dorothy and Mildred McDermott, Camp Stand By Me has positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and adults, offering a unique environment where all individuals can experience acceptance, friendship, and personal empowerment. 

Dorothy and Mildred McDermott were sisters raised along the Columbia River in Washington State. Dorothy, who was paralyzed by polio at the age of two, did not let her physical challenges hinder her spirit. Despite the lack of accessible public facilities, she found solace and happiness in the outdoors and her beloved animals. 

Dorothy’s resilience and zest for life were evident as she thrived in her personal and professional endeavors, including enrolling in business college, and securing part-time secretarial work, and exploring her passion for gardening and caring for horses at their vacation home on Vaughn Bay. 

Upon Dorothy’s passing in 1972, her sister Mildred, inspired by Dorothy’s unwavering optimism and love for the outdoors, chose to donate their Vaughn Bay property to Easterseals Washington. This generous donation paved the way for Camp Stand By Me —a place where children and adults with disabilities can enjoy a barrier-free environment that fosters fun and empowerment. 

“Much has changed over our 50 years of providing camp and recreation services for people with disabilities… the program’s name, some of the activities, and even the expansion from focusing on children to welcoming people of all ages,” said Cathy Bisaillon, President and CEO of Easterseals Washington. “What is still constant is the impact that a week of overnight camp has on the camper, the family, the caregiver, and the staff. Our campers come away with new friends, rekindled relationships, pride in who they are, and higher expectations for what they can learn and do. They go home to family members and caregivers who are refreshed after possibly their only respite break for the year. And they often stay in touch with their camp counselors whose lives are forever enhanced by the amazing experience of full inclusion in our beautiful, natural setting. We are grateful for our camp’s 50-year legacy, and we are compelled to ensure its success for many years to come.” 

Over the past five decades, Camp Stand By Me has grown from its humble beginnings into a haven where individuals travel across the country, state, and the world to experience the magic of camp, offering a range of activities designed to promote independence, build confidence, and foster lasting friendships. 

To celebrate this milestone, Easterseals Washington invites the community to join in the festivities and continue the legacy of Camp Stand By Me. Opportunities to get involved include volunteering, making a donation, or organizing a team or peer-to-peer fundraiser. 

Find out more at www.easterseals.com/washington 

About Easterseals Washington: 

Easterseals Washington has been helping children and adults with disabilities and their families reach their full potential since 1947. We are leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access by enriching education, enhancing health, expanding employment, and elevating community. We do this through life-changing programs and services for children and adults with disabilities across Washington.