Wellness GIFTS

Wellness GIFTS offers camping retreats that include educational, social, emotional, and recreational activities for families who have children with a developmental disability. The program includes respite care along with social networking opportunities, and provides social, recreational, therapeutic, and educational activities during these retreats.

• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Summer 2026 retreats are scheduled

Wellness GIFTS is a program by Pathways, Inc., and was founded by Janet Opila-Lehman in 2001. The program hosts annual camping retreats and now offers two summer retreats that focus on respite, recreation, and rejuvenation for the entire family. Wellness GIFTS provides a unique camping experience for families with children of any age who have special needs and is recognized in New York State for offering education, socialization, emotional support, and respite support for these families. Wellness GIFTS serves families who have individuals with developmental disabilities in Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties, and is made possible through a grant from OPWDD Family Support Services, with OPWDD funding supporting families from Yates counties. In January 2022, Wellness GIFTS merged with Pathways, Inc., a not-for-profit human service organization that serves individuals and families across the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Rochester, New York regions through Care and Coordination Services, Childcare and Educational Services, Community and Habilitation Services, and Residential Services. Wellness GIFTS is committed to providing educational, social, emotional, recreational activities, and respite care to all members of families who have children with a developmental disability.

Last updated February 10, 2026.