WEST CHESTER – Bournelyf Special Camp in West Chester is well-known for its acts of kindness. This non-profit camp serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and embodies the spirit of kindness.
On Thursday, this spirit was evident in West Chester and Downingtown as Bournelyf campers brought joy and bouquets of flowers to the towns. This event was part of Bournelyf’s celebration of National Camp Kindness Day (July 17), a community outreach project aimed at spreading happiness.
Campers from Bournelyf set up outside Twin Valley Coffee locations in both West Chester and Downingtown. There, they handed out hand-arranged bouquets to passersby. In total, they distributed nearly 150 bouquets, each one crafted by the campers themselves. The flowers brought smiles, conversations, gratitude, and even tears of joy.
“Our campers embody joy and kindness,” said Courtney Zimmerman, executive director of Bournelyf Special Camp. “Sharing that joy and kindness with our communities, one beautiful bouquet at a time, was a wonderful experience for everyone.”
Bournelyf Special Camp wasn’t alone in its celebration. Twin Valley Coffee supported the event by donating 25% of its proceeds from the day to Bournelyf’s mission. This mission focuses on providing a space for individuals with special needs to build confidence, improve social, physical, and communication skills, and see themselves as valuable members of both the Bournelyf community and society.
The camp offers a summer program for individuals aged eight and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 20-acre campus includes a modified Olympic-sized swimming pool, a pond, woods, and more, providing endless opportunities for campers to develop friendships, challenge themselves, and create lasting memories through outdoor activities. Additionally, Bournelyf hosts monthly activities for its campers throughout the year.
The kindness campaign was a great success by all accounts.
“People felt happy when they received flowers,” said camper Taylor Fraschetta.
Indeed, they did. Whether stopping for a coffee or just passing by, community members left with smiles and beautiful bouquets, making West Chester and Downingtown a bit brighter, thanks to Bournelyf Special Camp.