'HANDY CAMP': IT ALL BEGAN WITH A DREAM

These images supplied by the Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America demonstrate the success enjoyed by hunters at special places, such as the Handy Camp near Kersey. Brian DeGuire's dream has become a reality and he has more ambitious plans to expand Handy Camp so the disabled have greater opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. DeGuire welcomes questions at (814) 885-6931.

Brian DeGuire felt bad that he had to leave two of his buddies behind whenever he joined his other friends for their frequent hunting and fishing trips.

One of them, Mike, had been paralyzed from the waist down in a car crash. The other, Doug, was born with a spinal malformation. Each was confined to a wheelchair for mobility.

Eventually, DeGuire and friends invited Mike and Doug to join them for a hunting trip. It was then that they discovered the many obstacles these two young men were facing.

DeGuire pressed on, overcoming the awkwardness and helping his friends. When Doug shook off "buck fever" and shot a deer, DeGuire was overcome with joy.

"We couldn't shut him up as the five of us sat around the campfire," he recalled. "Doug just kept reliving his story. Out of the blue, I said, 'You know, some day I am going to start a camp where handicapped people go can enjoy the outdoors.' Of course, I only half meant it."

DeGuire tried some unconventional ways to raise money, writing to billionaire H. Ross Perot and the Anheuser Busch Brewing Company, without response. He gave up.

Twenty years passed, during which time both Mike and Doug died, but DeGuire never forgot his dream.

In 2006, he dusted off his plans and set about a more orderly mission. The results are being unveiled this year as "The Handy Camp," located in the Elk County community of Dagus Mines, not far from Kersey.

Clarion University has pitched in to produce a business plan while other volunteers have helped to set up Handy Camp as a taxexempt organization.

Soon, he'll unveil the most exciting development: acquisition of a large parcel of land - some 10 square miles - filled with hunting and fishing habitat.

Fund-raising continues for a financial plan based on government, corporate, foundation and private contributions.

"The Handy Camp will help teach those with disabilities how to access the outdoors, and in particular how to fish and hunt," DeGuire said. He is president of the organization. Other officers are Dan Whitman, secretary, and Gary Streich, treasurer.

The camp will offer a shooting and archery range, a small lake for fishing and many acres of hunting habitat. DeGuire also hopes to raise turkeys and establish a deer farm on the land. Activities could include fish rodeos, clay shoots and guest instructors, specifically those who have invented products for use for disabled outdoors enthusiasts.

He's contacting Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the National Wild Turkey Foundation, as well as area sportsmen's clubs, for support.

DeGuire will have a local butcher visit to help with deer processing. He also plans to work with a local taxidermist. A national organization, the Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America (www.pcba-inc.org) has pledged its support. DeGuire will also be getting Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other youth groups involved.

Participants are required to make reservations which will help determine what type of equipment they will need. Additional information is available at (814) 885-6931.

"I will never forget my friends Mike and Doug," DeGuire said. "They're the ones who made this dream into reality."-