America’s Camp is now enrolling boys and girls, ages 7-15, for its sixth summer in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. This week-long, sleep-away camp is offered at no cost to families. The 2007 session will begin on Wednesday, August 15th and finish on Wednesday, August 22nd. Round-trip coach bus transportation will once again be provided.
The campers have diverse backgrounds and interests, but share a common experience – they have all lost a parent or sibling in the September 11th attacks or in the line of duty at any time as a firefighter or law enforcement officer. Over 150 staff members create a warm, welcoming environment which nurtures friendships and positive self-esteem.
This talented, energetic, mature staff is supported by trained personnel from the Center for Grieving
Children, who are available on an informal, as needed basis. The overall goal is to make sure camp is an emotionally safe and supportive place, as well as tremendously fun.
“Upon her return, my daughter was happy and relaxed,” one Long Island mother said about her 10-year-old daughter. “Having the opportunity to spend time with other children who have gone through the same loss as her makes her feel accepted. At the same time, she is not singled out as a child who lost a parent.” The staff also is the key to successful experiences for first-time campers. Of the 250+ campers who attended in 2006, over 50 were new. First-time campers are quickly made to feel at home and are swept up in the spirit of America’s Camp.
“My son has an amazing time at camp,” said a Staten Island parent, whose 8-year-old son attended for the first time in 2004 and will be attending for his fourth year this coming summer. “He feels tremendous confidence and a sense of independence being away. Most of all, he has so much fun. He talks about camp all the time and even told me he wants to be a counselor there when he grows up. I will never forget picking him up at camp the first time. He ran across the lawn, into my arms, and said, “Mom, it was the best week of my life.”
During this week of sun, fun and friendship, campers can participate in a wide range of activities at the camp’s picturesque lakeside site in Hinsdale, Massachusetts. There’s sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and water-skiing on the pristine lake; swimming in a spacious, heated pool, archery, and all kinds of sports, played on beautiful fields and courts. The art shack and woodshop are always busy, and campers can also participate in activities such as dance and drama.
America’s Camp
It’s a busy, active week. In addition to all of the daily activities, the last three summers have included carnivals, “air band” nights, theme days, day trips to amusement parks and water parks and evening trips to minor league baseball games.
“The programming is very well thought out,” said one parent from the Boston area, whose 11-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter attended camp for their third summer. “The love and devotion of all the volunteers is evident in all that they do. They all are obviously professionals who know how to run a first-rate camp.”
America’s Camp is co-sponsored by CampGroup and the America’s Camp Foundation. CampGroup is a partnership of 10 premier summer camps known for their safe, comprehensive programs and warm, caring communities.
The directors of America’s Camp are widely recognized as experienced leaders in the camping field.
For enrollment: Call Director Andy Cole at (800) 548-6295, e-mail to andy@americascamp.org or visit www.americascamp.org
