A new swimming pool is open at Bournelyf Special Camp on South New Street, replacing an aging facility that had stopped working and giving campers with disabilities a fresh place to build water-safety skills and confidence.

Alumnus Andrew Bentley funded the pool with what the organization called the largest individual donation in its 46-year history. Bentley and his family cut the ribbon July 23 during Bournelyf's annual camp luncheon, surrounded by campers, families and supporters on the nonprofit's 20-acre campus.

"Andrew's generosity is an investment in the safety, confidence and potential of every camper we serve," executive director Courtney Zimmerman said, according to MyChesCo. "It has helped create a place where our campers can learn critical water-safety skills, experience greater independence and discover the joy of accomplishing something new."

The pool accommodates swimmers with varying abilities. Programming will include water-safety instruction, physical activity, skill development and recreation.

Demand for Bournelyf's services is climbing.

The camp reported that 2026 registrations are outpacing last year, year-round events regularly hit capacity and school-holiday programs fill shortly after opening. That growth is driving the next big move: in spring 2027, Bournelyf plans to launch "The Campaign for the Next 50 Years: Building Communities & Empowering Lives," seeking support for a dedicated accessible program building, additional campus improvements and expanded year-round programming.

Bournelyf is the only summer day camp of its kind in Chester County, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 8 and up. Founded in 1980, it offers three programs: Trailblazers (ages 8–14), Expedition (ages 15–22) and Alumni (ages 23 and up), plus twice-monthly events year-round.

Bentley has also backed other local disability-service groups. Earlier in 2026, he gave $100,000 to Thorndale-based Handi-Crafters, the largest individual gift that organization had received in a decade, supporting vocational training and employment for adults with disabilities.

The dollar amount of Bentley's Bournelyf donation has not been disclosed.

Coming up at Bournelyf: The camp's year-round events continue twice monthly at 1070 S. New Street, West Chester. Details on programming and the 2027 capital campaign are expected at bscwc.org.