Members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity work in Camp Allen’s sensory garden. Cassidy Swanson
On Sunday, 22 fraternity brothers representing university chapters nationwide arrived at Camp Allen. Though Thursday, the young men will be constructing a new wheelchair ramp, repairing a sensory garden, and clearing trails for accessible use.
The summer-long event travels the country at local camps to build accessible structures like nature trails, ramps, and playgrounds for children with disabilities. Throughout the building process, the team develops friendships with campers and engages in daily camp activities, according to a news release.
Heath Thompson, 22, who graduated from the University of Cincinnati last month, is serving as public relations director for his team. Thompson said that Pi Kappa Phi’s philanthropy, the Ability Experience, was the first to be established by a Greek life organization. He and all of his team members committed to raising $4,000 each toward the philanthropy.