Friends of Paha (FOP) was founded by a caring group of parents, grandparents and community members associated with Camp Paha. They recognized the need for quality programming for children and young adults with disabilities and the need for it to be affordable, even for low income families. This group came together in May of 2002 to begin this fundraising organization and scholarship opportunity for Camp Paha.

FOP was officially incorporated in February 2003. During our first year of operation the Lakewood Legacy Foundation served as our fiscal sponsor and mentor until we became our own non-profit organization. We received our 501(c)3 IRS Determination Letter in the end of May 2003. Friends of Paha held its first community fundraiser in December of 2003 and raised approximately $3,000 through individual donations. In 2003 we raised approximately $23,000 for Camp Paha.

In 2004 FOP raised approximately $63,000 through grants, corporate contributions, individual donations and fundraisers in the community.

Our goal for 2009 is to raise $80,000 for both operational funds and camperships. In 2008, We raised over $65,000 and paid the City Of Lakewood $40,000 toward the operation of Camp Paha. In addition, we awarded over $10,000 in camperships to campers and their families.

Our greatest accomplishment thus far is raising enough funds to keep the cost of camp for families the same from 2003 - 2006. A statewide increase of minimum wage is a significant factor that impacts the cost of camp. In 2007, the cost of camp increased by 8% to compensate and increased again in 2009. In order to help support families and offset these increases, FOP aims to raise more funds.

From February 2003 to today: We have raised just under $250,000. We have spent just over $4,000 in various expenses (including fees, memberships, fundraising expenses). We have given $19,000 to the City of Lakewood for direct payment of camper fees in the form of camperships. We have given $158,000 to the City of Lakewood for operation of Camp Paha.

Friends of Paha was started to help financially support Camp Paha. When Camp Paha originally began in the early 80's it was significantly subsidized by the City of Lakewood. As the financial abilities of the city changed, they were no longer able to support the camp as significantly. The camp became an enterprise program, which had to break even solely through camper fees. The cost of camp began to rise considerably faster than parents could keep up with. We did some small grant writing but received only minimal contributions. It became apparent that for Camp Paha to continue providing outstanding services to campers with disabilities we would need an organization committed to fundraising for the camp, the campers and their families. Friends of Paha became that organization.

Campers, camper families and staff benefit from all the contributions made to Friends of Paha. Contributions go directly to operational funds for the camp. Operational costs include: building rental, bus leasing, camp staff salaries, program area supplies, camp adapted equipment, background checks for staff, CPR & FA training for staff, camp group supplies and toys, and field trip admission fees. Contributions made to Friends of Paha directly result in the cost for campers being lower for the summer.

Our camper scholarship program has been in operation since 2005. Donations made specifically to our scholarship program would help a specific camper and their family pay for their camper fee for Camp Paha. We have the Nathaniel Samsel Memorial Scholarship which is awarded to a camper with full medical and physical needs. It is a full scholarship for a family in financial need. The NSMS is funded by an anonymous family donor who was deeply affected by Nathaniel during his time at camp.