CDPHP, Camp Wildwood brighten summers for “special needs” campers


Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan announced a five-year commitment of $50,000 to The Campaign for Wildwood, to help pay for summer programs to bring disabled children to the outdoors.

Camp Wildwood, a part of the Wildwood School’s Summer Extension Program, serves more than 200 special-needs campers during July and August in the Helderberg Mountains.

“Wildwood School and Camp Wildwood provide vital educational and recreational programs to so many children in our community with special needs,” said William Cromie, president and chief executive of CDPHP. 

Formerly the Altamont Rod & Gun Club, Camp Wildwood is located on 86 acres and features a swimming pool, pond, nature trails, playgrounds, softball field, covered pavilions, cabins and the lodge, which functions as the camp’s headquarters.

“This generous gift … will enrich the lives of many local children with developmental disabilities, complex learning disabilities, and autism in a very real and lasting way,” said Mary Ann Allen, Wildwood’s CEO.

Students who attend Camp Wildwood participate in physical and occupational therapy, water safety instruction, and a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Alan Wechsler

5 Responses

  1. Lathamguy says:

    Nothing against needy charities, but just where does CDPHP get the money it “donates” to all those charities each year? If CDPHP is giving away money it collects in premiums, that’s plain wrong! Premiums are for members’ health care, not headlines and photo-ops for the executives.

  2. Lathamguy says:

    Ooops! Forgot to add something….

    These are the kinds of donations we blast Joe Bruno & Co about, those so-called “member items”, aka “pork”. You know, giving away someone else’s money and taking personal credit for it.

  3. silverbrunogate2008 says:

    Are they supposed to just break even? How much profit ought they be allowed to make? If it is plain wrong, then you must know what is right… right? They publicize their philanthopy, and the money they give is generated through the efforts of their private for profit company…. geez, get a grip

  4. Lathamguy says:

    #3 – What part of “not for profit” don’t you understand?

  5. silverbrunogate2008 says:

    Is CDPHP a not for profit? I do no think they are. My point is that they are a private business and can do with their income what they wish in accordance with the law.