By Marie Mulvenna

Three tired second-hand buses roll down a narrow dirt road sending billowing clouds of dust flying in their wake. The trip is a daily one to Camp Hallinan in Athens and it’s a safe bet the 500 children who traveled the winding road this summer never once noticed the dust. Their young minds were elsewhere, anticipating another full day of fun and activity, their eagerness growing as they approach the sprawling 85-acre campsite – a Shangri-La of swimming, wilderness, games, cookouts, arts and all the things young children dream of.

It is the fourth summer that bright-eyed bubbling youngsters have enjoyed a well-rounded program of activity at Camp Hallinan. The camp, just 10 miles from the heart of the university city, is the property of the archdiocese and is named in memory of Atlanta’s late Archbishop Paul Hallinan.

It is a thriving non-denominational interracial day camp first organized in 1968 by the social action committee of St. Joseph’s Church in Athens. Although a direct offshoot of St. Joseph’s parish, the camp has become a real community project, receiving financial assistance and valuable manpower from all segments of the Athens community. In addition to volunteer workers, the camp has a small paid professional staff each year, ensuring an excellent program for the enthusiastic youngsters.

Father Henry Gracz, pastor of St. Joseph’s, is a familiar face on the campgrounds and the youngsters mob him like the proverbial pied piper for piggy backs and a few moments of conversation. Father Gracz explained the birth of the camp and outlined its objectives in providing recreation and education services for children in the Athens community. He described its growth and community support as “pretty amazing.” Each year, he explained, an appeal is made by letter to parishioners and the community at large for funds to help the camp operate.

The budget of $15,000-$18,000 for this summer was aided by a subsidy of nearly $7,000 from the local Community Chest. Father Gracz pointed out that parishioners of many churches in the archdiocese assist the camp by furnishing camp scholarships enabling more children of low income families to enjoy the summer program. The token fee runs a mere $5.00 for two weeks, but Father Gracz explained about one half the children are unable to pay even that amount. Atlanta Catholics also aid the operation of the camp by contributions of bathing suits, towels and clothing for the youngsters.

A normal day at the camp begins when buses discharge their energetic passengers and everyone gathers near “the big tree” which seems to serve as home base for camp activities. A flag salute is followed by breakfast, furnished through the Department of Agriculture and brought to the site by the Navy Wives Club of the Naval Supply Corps, based in Athens. The Clarke County Board of Education is integrally involved in feeding the children and also furnishes us of the board’s dietitian.

After breakfast the youngsters begin a busy day. Divided into groups by age, and under the care of a counselor, as well as covered by insurance, they head off for one of four activities: swimming; arts and crafts; nature study or outdoor recreation. Each period runs about an hour and a quarter and somewhere in the middle comes lunch, this time brought to the camp by the Police Community Relations Committee. There are no finicky eaters at this lunch period, after which the kids are eager to get back to their activities.

The day winds up shortly after 3 p.m. when weary, happy youngsters pile onto the buses for the homeward trip.

Wednesdays at the camp, says Buzz Davenport, camp director, are favorites of the kids. He explains with a laugh that Wednesday is “free day” and the kids can choose their own schedule. Swimming and art take top honors in the category and waterfront director Jane Sparrowhead has her hands full. Canoes at the lake were given the camp by the Model Cities program and some bright yellow life rafts are courtesy of the Coca Cola Company.

Nature director Dave Weatherford manages the nature trails, scores of rock hunting expeditions, plant study and a host of other activities for the young campers. This year, large cages along the wooded trails housed a pet skunk and a large collection of snakes and turtles –all favorites with the kids.

The camp had a staff of 42 this summer, some paid professionals and some volunteers running the four two-week sessions. Help comes in many ways and the camp is the fortunate recipient of a helping hand from numerous local clubs and groups. In addition to the assistance of the Navy Wives Club, the camp is the pet project of the Army Reserves, who did considerable work on camp roads and paths during last winter. Athens merchants have donated all kinds of equipment and have provided free movie tickets, a trip to Six Flags and a neighborhood carnival for the youngsters.

Biggest headaches of the year for the camp is the condition of three second-hand buses which ferry the children to and from the camp area. Father Gracz has a fund of funny stories about broken-down buses. The stories underscore the need for newer buses for next year’s camp program.

Camp Hallinan is now officially closed for the year but the property is open for use of any organization or group that might want to use it as a campground.