The Greenwich Department of Human Services urgently calls for public donations to support its annual Campership program, following the loss of significant funding from The Salvation Army. This program, a beacon of hope for low-income families, has enabled 150 children to attend various summer camps last year. However, facing a financial deficit in 2024, over 60 children risk missing out on this enriching opportunity.
Traditionally, The Salvation Army’s Greenwich Service Unit has been a reliable source of funding for these camperships, but a recent shift in their service focus has led to the discontinuation of their support. This change places the program in jeopardy, threatening to deprive over 60 children of the camp experience unless additional funds are raised.
The cost of sponsoring a child ranges from $50 to $1,000, covering both local day camps and a sleepaway camp in Connecticut. The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund now looks to the generosity of the community to bridge this gap and ensure that underprivileged children can enjoy a summer filled with growth and joy.
The Campership program offers more than just a summer escape; it is a lifeline for working parents during school breaks. It provides a safe, supervised environment where children can engage in sports, arts, crafts, and form new friendships, fostering social skills and a positive self-image. For parents, it means the ability to maintain employment without the stress of arranging summer care.
Eligibility for a full camp scholarship is determined by income, with a family of four earning up to $7,500 per month qualifying. This threshold allows access to families slightly above the Federal Poverty Guidelines, considering extenuating circumstances. The program’s success hinges on contributions from community groups, businesses, individuals, and corporations.
Sponsorship levels vary, with options to support a camper for two weeks at $400, four weeks at $800, and other tiers such as Camp Enthusiast ($1,000) and Camp Champion ($50). Any donation, irrespective of its size, is crucial and deeply appreciated.
The Greenwich Department of Human Services, beyond administering the Campership program, is a vital community resource offering a plethora of services. These include basic human support, crisis response, assistance with federal and state benefits, and various community programs aimed at enriching the lives of Greenwich residents.
To support this noble cause, donations can be made online at greenwichdhsfund.org/campership-program or by mailing a check to The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund, Inc., with ‘Campership’ in the subject line, to their office on Field Point Road.
The community’s swift response to this call for support will determine the fate of many young lives this summer. It’s a chance to transform a child’s summer from mundane to magical, and uphold the spirit of community care and support in Greenwich.
