We have a camp reunion at holiday time. It's fantastic to see how happy the children are when they see Santa and we all see each other again.Many of the campers are transient, which makes it difficult to keep track of them. It is especially difficult to locate children who are homeless. Government privacy laws make it even more challenging.
To locate as many teens as possible, each year, I contact the high schools in all the communities we serve. They, in turn, locate the former campers in their schools. I meet with them and mostly, we hug and reminisce. The high schoolers find it comforting that we still are there for them and Care-A-Lot. Here are two ways to stay connected.
1) The Education Scholarship is a terrific program designed to help any former camper graduate find her/his way to trade school, college or a work apprenticeship program. Beginning in September, 2007 we have already send about 18 youths to post-high school programs. We are proud that we "put our money where our mouths are."
At camp, kids learn, each day, why they should stay in school. They believe in themselves and stay in school. Then, many realize they can't afford to go on after high school to meet the goals they set at camp and other places. This scholarship gives them a target to work for and a reason to stay in school. We are working hard to raise funds for this program because in 2010, we have more applicants than ever before and we want to help as many former campers as possible.
2) The Junior Staff program I already mentioned allows former campers to give back and to feel great about themselves. Volunteerism is a decreasing community activity these days and we want our youth to be working in their communities and schools for the greater good.
Thank you so much for talking with me about Camp Care-A-Lot, Eydee. It sounds like one special place!
Thanks to your readers for their interest! They can contact me at our website with questions or comments. Thanks, Joan, for the opportunity to discuss my passion. Happy and Healthy New Year to all. As we think of the new year, please remember my campers who need so much and have so much to give. Theirs is not always the happiest of times and we all can make it happier by caring and supporting them through Camp Care-A-Lot.
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Part One of my interview with Eydee.
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