By JoJo Mattingly

Just a few miles outside of Athens, you can find an old-fashioned community building project.

Hammers pound as men and boys of all ages and sizes work in the pioneer spirit. They are working to help a common cause, not just because the boss requires it.

But, this project is not an outdated idea; it is a progressive summer camp called Camp Hallinan. The name itself implies action and change, since it comes from the late Archbishop Paul J. Hallinan whose efforts pushed the Atlanta diocese far into the future.

The camp, which is an interracial, interdenominational summer day camp, was founded in 1968 by three concerned citizens in Athens. They are Dr. David Dwinell, Dr. Warren Kimball, and Dr. Joseph Berrigan, who now make up the camp’s board of directors and attend St. Joseph’s Catholic church.

All three men are associated with the University of Georgia- Dr. Kimball and Dr. Berrigan are professors of history and Dr. Dwinell is in forestry research. But they broke out of the ivory tower world of education into the town of Athens by forming a Social Action Committee. This 12-member committee latched onto the camp as its means to help economically poor children.

The camp, originally called Sacred Heart Camp, was started by Father Dale Freeman in the early 1960s. However, a lack of funds and pressure by some citizens against integrated recreation caused him to close down in 1964.

Now, the camp is slowly growing into a very active, community-supported summer program.

Dr. Dwinell said that they hope to have 500 children enrolled in the five 2-week sessions this summer. The campers, boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 15, pay $3 for each session. This fee includes insurance and milk. The camp provides bathing suits, free transportation, and lunches for those who cannot afford them.

Neighborhood coordinators, who went to various neighborhoods recruiting campers, met a favorable response. They then distributed the necessary application forms.

The staff of Camp Hallinan includes the directress, Mrs. William Warren; two water safety instructors, six counselors, and four counselors-in-training. The counselors and an additional volunteer staff of about ten are all local high school students.

Each camper can take swimming, boating, nature study, and various athletics like basketball and volleyball. He has special trips to Six Flags Over Georgia or a Braves game during the school year. But, these activities are only part of the more important opportunity to learn how to live with other children, both black and white.

The camp site is a sprawling 80 acres, with a one-acre lake. Three simple buildings provide the space necessary for crafts and indoor play, but the wooded land is ripe for even further development.

Since Athens is a university town, there is an available supply or eager volunteers. And, likewise, the camp provides a ready project for school and church groups. Fraternities give as many as 80 hours of work and sororities sponsor Christmas or Halloween parties for the children.

A psychologist from the University of Georgia comes once a week to discuss problems with the counselors. Men from the Navy Supply Corps School work on Saturday mornings painting, cleaning, or building picnic benches. Their wives also help three days a week. Dr. Dwinell said that they get good support from the local newspapers and businesses.

He emphasized that Camp Hallinan is not a religious camp; St. Joseph’s Church operates it, but there is no religious affiliation or instruction. In May, the parish council of St. Joseph’s mailed brochures to the University faculty and various churches asking for donations. Since each child costs the camp about $12, the small fee of $3 is not adequate.