An effort is underway to memorialize a longtime summer camp director in Washington County. Camp REECE, which stands for Religious Education for Exceptional Children in a Camping Environment, was started in 1968 for people with disabilities, and is held every summer at Lake Darling Youth Center. Richard Heirlein was one of the founders, served as director for over 25 years, and designed much of the programming that’s still in use today.
Mike Murphy is also a former camp director. After Dick passed away in April, Murphy began working with the Heirlein family on a way to honor his legacy. Murphy says they decided to build a director’s cabin that will give the director a place to stay and serve as the check-in point for campers.
Send donations to: Washington State Bank, P.O. Box 311, Washington, Iowa
Find links to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa programs Murphy joined us for below.
Part 1