East Moriches teen makes 'book nook' for special needs kids
Emma Stork spearheaded the creation of an outdoor "book nook" for children at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches, which serves youth with disabilities. Credit: Nicole Stork
An East Moriches teen is helping foster a love of reading among children with special needs.
Emma Stork, a recent Westhampton Beach High School graduate, spearheaded the creation of an outdoor “book nook” for children at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches, which serves youth with physical and developmental disabilities. The camp is operated by the Rotary Club of the Moriches.
Stork, a Girl Scout and member of Troop 4000, pursued the project as part of her Gold Award, the highest achievement attainable within the Girl Scouts of America.
“I knew I wanted to do something for people with disabilities, because I have a learning disability myself,” said Stork, 18, who said her learning disability affects her executive-functioning skills. “I know how difficult it can be to learn and express yourself, so I just wanted there to be a spot for campers to be able to do those things and learn at their own pace.”
She said she became familiar with Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck several years ago through Westhampton Beach Middle School’s Interact Club, which helped with Rotary Club fundraisers. She also created a music wall at the camp featuring instruments such as maracas and tambourines for her Silver Award, the second-highest achievement in Girl Scouts.
The book nook, completed in January, transformed an unused garden structure into a cozy alcove with a bench, “bucket” seats, books and toys. The books and toys were collected through drives Stork hosted at public libraries in Center Moriches, Riverhead and Westhampton Beach.
Stork funded the project through donations and a car wash at East Moriches Community Ambulance headquarters. Students in her school’s inclusive art class decorated the seats with handprints.
Thomas Chieffo, president of the camp’s board of directors, said the camp is “proud to have Emma as a friend.”
“Emma, since her early childhood, has participated and volunteered for many of the fundraising events tirelessly giving of herself to the benefit of the camp,” Chieffo said. “She is an outstanding young woman with community service at the forefront of her laser focus.”
Stork is also a mentor in her school’s inclusive gym class, president of the robotics club, historian and social media manager of the Interact Club and a member of Best Buddies, which pairs general and special education students for one-to-one friendships.
“Giving back is just something I’ve always been passionate about,” Stork said. “It makes me feel so good when I see someone else smile.”
Nominate a Long Islander who goes above and beyond or serves as an inspiration to their community. Send details and photograph to Michael Ebert, michael.ebert@newsday.com, (photos should be high-resolution). Photos may be used in other publications affiliated with Newsday.
Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.
