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You told us what you loved, what worried you, and what you hoped and dreamed of -- you told us what we got right and what we got wrong -- and we're so excited to share the Heart & Soul of Cameron County. Here they are, #Finally, the fully-resident-vetted Cameron County Community Value Statements -- the values residents can agree to holding near and dear to their hearts. NatureCameron County values the nature that abounds within our borders, from the abiding beauty of our mountains, streams, and forests to our diverse wildlife. We appreciate the variety of recreational activities and scenic views it provides us. Sense of CommunityCameron County values the Sense of Community created by our people and fostered by our scenic communities and the slower pace of life that make us so unique.
Local EconomyCameron County values our local businesses, industries, and entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our local economy and the heartbeat of our communities, while acknowledging the potential our county offers for expanded amenities and industry. SafetyCameron County believes in sustaining a safe, secure, and close-knit community to live, work and play. AccessibilityCameron County values walkable communities, the safe travel between each of our municipalities and the ability to easily navigate our vast dirt road and trail system. Arts & HeritageCameron County cherishes sharing our rich history and coming together to celebrate our community and artisans through year round community events, throughout county. Youth WellbeingCameron County values the well-being of our young, adolescent, and teenage residents. We believe in supporting their educational and athletic pursuits and are committed to offering them a variety of opportunities to participate and recreate within our county. These values are our shared, non-negotiables as changes come to our area, as decisions are made on our behalf, and as we look toward a vibrant future. These create the common ground of our shared Cam Co Identity as residents and neighbors. We thank you for entrusting your almost 500 stories with us, your time and thoughts and ideas as we worked toward finding the heart and soul of this county we all share, but view through 4600 different lens. Our work is not over, though, these values are the foundation of where we're going, as we look toward prioritizing all the ideas you have to preserve, to honor, and to reinvigorate Cameron County as we draft YOUR action plan, a resident-driven and resident-envisioned, Cam Co Proud Call to Action Plan.
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 People can take part in sharing their thoughts on change on Facebook wtih options to Vet, Rate, and Discuss each value or sharing their favorite places via Instagram. Digital Community Conversations are coming back! We're excited to be reviving our Digital Community Conversations to host Cam Co Vision Talks via Zoom Thursdays at 7pm. Each week's conversation will focus on the week's Value. How important is it to you? How has it changed? How should it look in the future? Join the conversation as we talk through the pros and cons to each Value. Sign Up Here to get the link each week. Take the Survey Each Week the survey to gather how important a value is, how it has changed and how it should look will go live on our website www.thecameroncountyproject.com and on our social media platforms. Be sure to check back often to share your thoughts.
Don't want to wait? You can access all the surveys here. As always, if you have questions call Jess at 486-0612 x 100 or send her an email: camcoproud@gmail.com  “We are spending this week focused on those around us who have done or are doing positive things in our community, our lives, or for our mental well-being. Our friends and neighbors that make us #CamCoProud to share our county with, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic. We'll spend a week highlighting the people and organizations that you nominate, and create some (much needed) positive social media and web content. Nominations can be made via facebook message or email: camcoproud@gmail.com and will be posted on the website and social media the following day. Last day to make a nomination is Friday May 22nd. Be sure to tell us why you’re nominating them person or organization (if you have a picture, even better!)
We're launching a series of Community Conversations via Virtual Happy Hour Thursdays at 7pm. Grab your favorite drink, get comfy in front of your computer and join Jess via Zoom video conference and chat for a casual and friendly, open discussion about the themes that unite us and the ideas and stories they spark. Each week we'll focus on discussing different topic pertaining to Cameron County: April 30th - Sense of Community May 7th - Nature May 14th - Local Economy May 21st - Arts & Culture May 28th - Safety and Accessibility We'll post the zoom link in the facebook even the day of, in each individual event, so all you have to do is click to join us or if you'd like to attend, RSVP via email at camcoproud@gmail.com and we'll send the link to your inbox. We can't #BeTogether in person, but that doesn't mean we can't #GetTogether virtually and talk about all things Cam Co. Hello Fellow Residents and Cam Co Enthusiasts,It's been a crazy summer -- as project coordinator for the Cam Co Project, I had to take a huge step back to heal from surgery and we've lost some momentum. But fear not, we're back and September brings a Huge -FINAL push to collect your stories and to give you opportunities to share your hopes, dreams, and concerns; your #MyCameronCounty story. What's next?October 1st, we'll begin taking all the stories you've shared with us over the last 6 months, all the survey responses, art projects, emails, and facebook comments and drafting Cameron County's Community Value Statements -- summarizing our shared values and showcasing what we collectively view as the heart and soul of Cameron County. October will bring lots of sharing the stories we've heard back to residents, the surprising and endearing. We'll be spending November sharing the Value Statements we've drafted with EVERYONE. Asking if we got it right. Keep an eye out for ways to comment on what you think. Once we're sure the value statements are correct, we'll be transitioning to Phase 3: Make Decisions. You'll each be invited to resident visioning sessions where we'll think about our Cameron County's future through the eyes of each Value Statement. What we need to work on. What actions they require to thrive. What projects need to occur or cease. What ideas they inspire. This is where our past meets our future -- and all the amazing ideas you've been sharing with us and the ideas you've yet to share, have the chance to become reality. So, please, Please, PLEASE, if you haven't shared your "My Cameron County" story, reach out to us.The stories we gather now, each of the unique ways you view our communities and interact with them, the barriers you face and history you hold, it all matters. The rich data each story holds will help us justify the projects and initiatives of positive growth in our future. How we get them approved, funded, implemented. We've already learned so much from the over 500 stories, both thin and thick, we've collected. We want you all to be apart of this, because you all matter. Please don't miss your chance to be heard. Kind Regards from your neighbor,
Jess Herzing What Do You Love About Cameron County?
Where Are You Going After You Graduate?I plan on attending a college somewhere around the Pittsburgh area. One of the reasons I want to be in the Pittsburgh area is because my sister and her husband live in Pittsburgh. I really enjoy visiting them and seeing the area. I also like how close everything is where they live. Nearly everything they could want as far as entertainment, restaurants, and shopping is just a few miles down the road. After I graduate college, I will most likely go further south or stay in the Pittsburgh area. What Do You Like To Do In Cameron County?Something I like to do in Cameron County is go for walks with my mom around town during the summer. We like to walk on the Rails for Trails and see the wildlife and nature. I also like going to Sizerville with my family and having picnics. My aunt and my cousin live in Austin, so they often meet my mom and I the park and we go swimming at the pool and then eat lunch at an available pavilion.  What Would You Miss In Cameron County If It Wasn't Here?One thing I would miss in Cameron County if it wasn’t here would be Sheetz. Sheetz is a great place to go if you need a quick bite to eat. What Do You Hope Never Changes?One thing I hope never changes in Cameron County is the sense of community. If anything happens in town, the community gathers to help those in need. What Would You Change To Make Cameron County Even Better?
What do I love about Cameron County and what do I like to do in Cameron county?I am an 18 year old girl that was born and raised in Cameron County. My parents built a house when my mom was pregnant with me and we have lived in it ever since. I have four older siblings, three sisters and a brother. Growing up, a lot of the time, I would just hangout with my family since it is so big, but when I was not with my family, I was with my friends. My friends and I had to be creative, because there isn’t much to do in town. We would always complain, because “empo is so boring”. Now that I’m older, I appreciate what Cameron County has to bring. Most who live in Cameron County like to hunt, fish, and other stuff like that. But me on the other hand, I do not like those activities and neither do my friends, but we still find ways to have fun using the outdoors. So for fun we go tubing down the creek, have fires, and more. Another reason I love Cameron County is because of the community. Everyone is so supportive when it comes to anything. Where am I going after I graduate?
What would I miss in Cameron County if it wasn’t here? One thing that I would miss if it wasn’t in Cameron County would be Sheetz. It is where I go for all of my needs. What about Cameron County do you hope never changes? I hope Cameron County’s community never changes. Everyone is so supportive. When we have sporting events, the whole town comes out and supports. Last year, my friend Alyvia had a basketball for a little girl named Luna to fund-raise money for her. You would not believe the amount of people that showed up to support. She had raffle baskets, fifty-fifty tickets and a donation box and tons of people from the community participated. She made a great amount of money for Luna and her family. What would you change about Cameron County to make it even better?I would add more things for the kids. I would set up a program that plans different events for kids of all ages. I would plan scavenger hunts, movie nights, arts and crafts activities, baking activities, etc. I would make it so different activities applied to kids of that age. For example, I would have a movie night for kids 5-12 and play a movie age appropriate for kids in that age range. By planning these activities, this may help kids stay out of trouble. If you could have one wish for Cameron County, what would it be?If I had one wish for Cameron County, it would be to reduce or to get rid of all of the drug or opioid addicts. There is a growing amount of them in our town and [addiction] needs to be stopped. It causes so many deaths a year and our little town doesn’t need that.
I am currently a student member of the Cameron County Recreation Board and every Christmas I ring the bell for the Salvation Army. Being involved in many things doesn’t leave much free time, but I make the most of what I’m given. In my free time, I like to spend time with family and friends, but when it comes to finding things to do around here, it becomes a little difficult. Although there’s not much to do here, there are some things that I love about Cameron County. One thing I like is that we have such small community that the number of people you know is larger than the number of people you don’t know. Knowing a large amount of people makes me feel safe because the chances of me knowing someone no matter where I am is high, and there will always be someone around who I know can help. Another thing that I like about Cameron County is all of the festivals and parades we have. Being able to go down town during a holiday and walking through the vendors is one of my favorite things to do. Our town is very supportive when it comes to local businesses and it’s neat to see all of the things and food people make to sell. Upon graduation, I plan to attend college majoring in Occupational Therapy. I haven’t committed to a specific college yet, but I have a few in mind. Going into Occupational Therapy, I know that it is going to be tough to find a job here in Cameron County. After college, I am willing to go wherever there are opportunities, but my goal is go somewhere in the south. I would like to live somewhere where you don’t have to drive 20 minutes to go grocery shopping, or an hour to go watch a movie, I want to be somewhere that has everything I need and want right there.  From when I was younger to now, one of the hardest things was to find something to do. My friends and I love spending time and having fun with each other. In the summer it’s easier to come up with things to do. Our typical activities are fires, pool parties, and sometime movie nights. After awhile those things start to get boring. We then found some spots down county where you can rope swing and jump off rocks into the water. Tubing, kayaking, and Jeep rides are other things that we like to do, especially on a hot day. In the winter, we usually stay inside, watch Christmas movies, and bake cookies. There’s not much we do can do during the winter here, but sometimes we bring out our inner child and go sled riding. With there being lots of hills here, it's pretty easy to find somewhere to go.
One thing I would miss in Cameron County would definitely have to be Sheetz. The most important thing about Cameron County, that never changes, is how everyone in the community supports each other. ...There have been many families who have gone through tough times and our community always does something to help out. One of the major things is every Christmas there is a benefit dance and all proceeds go to a family, or families in need. The support from others when it’s needed the most really makes me happy to be a part of this town.
What do you love about Cameron County? I love so many things about Cameron County. One of my favorite things is the view. I love driving around South Mountain with my friends, especially during the fall to look at the trees. The mountains always look so pretty and they really make the town feel like home. I also really like that no matter where you go, there will always be someone around to help you with anything you may need. I remember one time I was working and when I was leaving there was a note on my window to let me know I had a flat tire. I was so thankful someone left it for me because I had no idea. I went to Sheetz to fill up my tire and as soon as I pulled in a man came right up to me and asked me if I needed help. I was so thankful for him and he immediately starting filling up my tire. That’s the kind of thing that wouldn’t happen in bigger cities and that’s what makes Cameron County such an amazing place. Where are you going after you graduate?After I graduate, I am going to move to West Virginia and to attend college at West Virginia University at Morgantown. I plan to major in biology and I cannot wait! I am so excited to begin my journey in becoming a Physicians Assistant. The campus is beautiful and I cannot wait to finally be a Mountaineer!! What do you like to do in Cameron County?
What would you miss in Cameron County if it wasn't here?If it was gone, I would really miss Sheetz. I go to Sheetz all the time and for everything! If I’m hungry, I’ll go to Sheetz and get an app platter, or if my friends are upset, or even if I’m upset, we just go to Sheetz and get a milkshake. I LOVE to go to Sheetz in the morning and get my favorite drink, a cold brew!
What would you change about Cameron County to make it better?I would want to work towards having less drugs problems. Our town is known to others for the drug problem we have. I think if we fixed up the drug problem a little bit, more families would want to come raise their children here. No one wants to raise their child in a drug-filled town! |
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