About GVRC
Genesee Valley Rotary Camp, Inc.
Mission, Vision and Values
Our Mission
Genesee Valley Rotary Camp, Inc., (GVRC) is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1963 and operated as a community service project by the Rotary Clubs of Avon, Belmont, Caledonia-Mumford, Dansville, Friendship, Geneseo, Lima, Livonia, Mt. Morris, Nunda, Perry, Wayland and Wellsville, New York. GVRC provides a weeklong camping and outdoor recreational experience to children and young adults, aged eight to 21, who reside in Allegany, Livingston, Steuben, and Wyoming Counties and the surrounding areas, and have various disabilities or special needs. GVRC is governed by its Member Rotary Clubs and provides services at no cost to its beneficiaries through generous contributions from the Member Clubs and donations from the community.
Our Vision
At GVRC, we envision a world where every child and young adult with disabilities is embraced, empowered and given the opportunity to experience the transformative joy of outdoor recreation and community connection.
Our Values
Inclusivity
We believe in creating an inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities are welcomed, valued and respected without discrimination.
Compassion
We demonstrate empathy, kindness and understanding in all interactions, recognizing the unique challenges faced by those with disabilities while emphasizing their strengths and opportunities for growth.
Empowerment
We empower individuals with disabilities to discover and unleash their full potential through meaningful outdoor experiences and personal growth opportunities.
Community
We cultivate a sense of belonging and support among campers, families, volunteers and staff, creating a tight-knit community that celebrates diversity and fosters lifelong friendships.
Collaboration
We promote partnerships and teamwork among our Member Rotary Clubs, staff, volunteers, donors and the broader community to ensure the success of our mission.
Gratitude
We express gratitude for the generosity of our Member Rotary Clubs, donors, volunteers and supporters, recognizing their vital role in making our mission possible.
“Here is Love”
This motto encapsulates our commitment to providing a nurturing and loving environment where every camper is embraced with compassion and acceptance.
Everyone Has Potential
At GVRC, we firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has untapped potential waiting to be discovered and nurtured. We strive to unlock this potential through our programs, empowering each camper to thrive and shine brightly.
“If you knew where and when a miracle was going to happen, wouldn’t you want to be there?”
This quote inspires us to be present, attentive and proactive in creating opportunities for miracles to unfold in the lives of those we serve.
GVRC Board of Directors
The Board of Directors plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient operation and continued success of our Camp, dedicated to serving children and young adults with disabilities and special needs. Here’s a detailed description of the Board’s responsibilities:
- Promoting Efficient Operation: Board members work to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of both the Camp’s operations and the overall Corporation. This involves strategic planning, policy development and evaluating programs and services to ensure they align with the GVRC’s mission.
- Collaborating with Camp Staff: The Board collaborates closely with the Camp staff, providing guidance, support and feedback to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs and services that meet the needs of our campers.
- Coordinating Fundraising Efforts and Grant Applications: Board members actively engage in fundraising activities and seek out grant opportunities to secure the financial resources necessary to sustain and expand the GVRC’s operations.
- Overseeing Fiscal Affairs: The Board is responsible for managing the financial health of the organization, including budgeting, financial planning and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements.
- Overseeing Disbursement of Funds: Once funds are raised, the Board oversees the proper disbursement of proceeds, ensuring they are allocated appropriately to support Camp operations, programs and improvements to camp facilities.
- Promoting the Work of the Camp: Board members serve as champions and ambassadors for GVRC, actively promoting its mission, programs and impact within their Rotary Clubs and the broader community. This involves advocating for the Camp, networking with potential supporters and raising awareness about the importance of our work in serving individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Through their dedication, expertise and commitment to our mission, the Board of Directors at Genesee Valley Rotary Camp, Inc., plays a crucial role in advancing our efforts to provide life-changing experiences for campers and their families.
To contact the Board of Directors, email secretaryGVRC@gmail.com.
Camp Directors
Mr. Bart – Director
The Camp Director for GVRC is Brian Bartalo. At camp he is known as “Mr. Bart”. Bart has been associated with GVRC since 1981. His father, Don Bartalo, was then a Rotarian from Dansville, NY, on the board of directors and he sent young Brian to camp to work that August and he hasn’t missed a summer since. Mr. Bart has held many positions at GVRC including: counselor, lifeguard, specialist, assistant director, and camp director. Mr. Bart has been a director at GVRC since 1988. Bart says that his connection to GVRC is one of his life’s greatest joys and accomplishments. Bartalo says, “GVRC has defined who I am, it is in my blood and is an extension of my family. I can’t imagine my life without camp each summer.” In the camping “off-season” Bart lives in Brockport, NY with his wife Marcia and their two sons; Jakob and Nathaniel. Marcia is a veteran of GVRC and is currently the kitchen director for the camp. The two met as counselors at GVRC in the summer of 1984 and have been together ever since. Bart’s sons Jake and Nate are both staff members at GVRC as well. Bart is a former special education teacher and varsity swim coach and is the principal of Hilton High School in Hilton, NY and is currently the Superintendent of Schools for the Holley Central School District, in Holley, NY.
Mrs. Sarah – Assistant Director
Sarah Warner has been a part of the GVRC family since 1999, when, her then high school guidance counselor and now dear friend and GVRC Kitchen Director, Marcia Bartalo, opened the camp doors to her. Mrs. Sarah has worked at camp as a counselor with special, on the hill, and worked behind the scenes, as a specialist with media. The camp motto, “Everyone has potential” is the core of who Mrs. Sarah is. She fiercely believes everyone can succeed when given opportunity and access, that is what camp provides, a place where every camper feels successful and loved.
Sarah currently lives in West Irondequoit, NY with her husband, Nick and their daughter. GVRC provided the foundation for Sarah’s career in special education – she was a special education teacher in various roles for 14 years before becoming an Assistive Technology Consultant with Monroe 2 Orleans BOCES, and is currently working to earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership. Sarah calls the week of camp her “New Year celebration” and is beyond excited to serve the camp family as Assistant Director.
Mrs. Janet – Health Director
Janet Green has been a nurse for over thirty years. She has experience in maternity and pediatrics and has worked in a local emergency room for the past twelve years. She started working as camp nurse at GVRC in 1991, and has been the Health Director since 1997. Her Husband, Howie, is the riflery instructor. She has four grandkids that all work at GVRC.