Child Found in Onota Lake Taken to Baystate Medical Center

12:29PM / Monday, July 25, 2022Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — An 8-year-old child rescued from Onota Lake on Sunday night was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Their condition is listed as stable, according to police.

The child was found unresponsive in the water by others at the public beach at Burbank Park and they began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation. First-responders were notified of the emergency at about 4:58 p.m. and police, fire and County Ambulance responded to the scene.

Emergency workers took over rescue measures upon their arrival and the child was first taken to Berkshire Medical Center.

Anyone who wishes to provide information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Michael Murphy at 413-448-9700, Ext. 582. Information can also be provided anonymously via the Detective Bureau Tip Line at 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).

Tags: drowning,

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction.

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.

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