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July 2026
By Sally Jones Orr

I was a shy eleven-year-old when I landed at Onaway for my first summer and was so homesick that Miss Stiles almost sent me home! But with the loving support from counselors, friendships that steadily grew, and the camp’s well-designed program of varied activities, I blossomed like so many campers before me. What an incredible gift Onaway was for me then and has continued to be through the decades since.  “Be Strong” still pops into my head from time to time as I confront a challenge! Does that happen to you?

 Several years ago, I decided to include Onaway in my estate plans. I thought it was the least I could do for the camp that had done so much for my confidence and personal development, and for my daughters also! They went to Onaway in the mid-’90s and early ’00s when Carol Southall was director.  

In addition,  I was eager to help future camp girls who may need Onaway’s guidance and values more than we, or even my girls, did.  I believe it’s hard being a teenager today… Taking this step was a way I could help them, even though I will never know them.  

 I decided the best arrangement for me to make was to name Camp Onaway as a partial beneficiary of my IRA. I went online to my account, found the “Beneficiary Designation Form,” and listed Camp Onaway to receive a certain percentage of what will be left when I move on. It was a quick and simple process, and can be changed at any time. 

It was probably the most personally satisfying gift I have ever made. While it is not large, it will be helpful. To this day, whenever I drive by and see the sign on 3A, I still get a little thrill, thinking that my final gift to this place that I love and the program that I so admire will carry on, maybe forever.   

Today, I hear there are 85 members of the CRS, alumnae and parents who have taken this heartfelt step. Last summer, Onaway held a Zoom gathering for all Campfire Rick Society members with the director, and it was great fun to see old friends and meet new ones. We even got a peek at camp in action! 

There are several ways to include Onaway in your plans, and most of them do not require an attorney’s assistance. If you have already included Onaway in your plans or are ready for the next step, please let Onaway know, so they can thank you and answer any questions you might have. Just knowing your intention will make you a member of the CRS. Onaway trusts you will get around to actually making the arrangements soon enough! 

And then, perhaps I will see you on a future CRS Zoom!  We CRS members share a special bond – come join us!

Sally Jones Orr, Tiptops ’65
saralinda.orr@gmail.com
610-716-3136 c