The annual Greenwich Campership Program, administered by the Program Division of the Greenwich Department of Human Services, makes it possible for children from low-income Greenwich families to enjoy a memorable and fun-filled experience at summer camp. Scholarships are available to many local day camps, as well as, a sleep-away camp in Connecticut. However, this year, due to the Campership program recently losing significant funding from The Salvation Army, the Greenwich Department of Human Services needs your help.
The Salvation Army’s Greenwich Service Unit has traditionally reimbursed Camperships for local families for many years. Unfortunately, due to a change in the Salvation Army’s scope of services, the organization is no longer able to contribute. In 2023, the Campership program sent 150 children to camp. Now without this funding, 60+ children may have to be turned away in 2024 — unless additional funding can be secured.
Camp sponsorships cost between $50 to $1,000 per child, depending on which camp they attend. The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund is asking the public to donate this year to help fill the gap and send area children in need to a memorable and wonderful camp experience.
The Campership program is more than just a fun, summer program for children. Without generous support from donors, Greenwich parents are often left with a challenge over summer months without school or enrichment programs. Parents often have to either take time off from work, work from home if possible, or in some cases, leave their jobs to care for their children. Others with older children may opt to leave their children home alone with limited enrichment opportunities throughout the summer. Camp for these families is a game-changer.
At camp, children have an opportunity to develop new friendships, play sports, and participate in arts and crafts and other activities in a positive and supervised environment. A camp experience stimulates new interests, and helps a child develop resourcefulness, social skills and a positive self-image. In addition, camp provides much-needed child care to enable parents to maintain employment during the summer months.
To qualify for a full camp scholarship, a child’s family income must not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This means that a family of four earning $7,500 a month or less is eligible to receive full payment of camp fees. Exceptions are sometimes made for families with extenuating circumstances.
Camp scholarships are funded through contributions from community groups, businesses, corporations and individuals. Camp helps children grow by providing a supervised, positive environment that has safety as a primary commitment. The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund is asking the community for its support for the 2024 Campership Program.
To donate online, visit greenwichdhsfund.org/campership-program or send a check made payable to: The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund, Inc., Attn: Campership, Department of Human Services, 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.
CAMP SPONSOR AMOUNTS
• Sponsor a camper for two weeks: $400
• Sponsor a camper for four weeks: $800
• Camp Enthusiast: $1,000
• Camp Champion: $50
• Any donation is greatly appreciated
The Greenwich Department of Human Services (GDHS) serves as a community bridge and provides direct services to the essential resources of the community. GDHS provides Greenwich residents and their families in need of basic human services support, helps respond to crisis situations and provides information and referral assistance. GDHS also assists with applying for federal, state and local benefits including Husky, Social Security, Workman’s Compensation, unemployment benefits, Medicaid, Snap, WIC and subsidized housing. GDHS provides referrals for food and clothing, Salvation Army assistance, assistance with community gifts, behavioral health, personal safety, education and employment, energy assistance, utility shut off prevention and mediation, English as a second language classes (ESL) and protective service referrals. GDHS runs the community programs, i.e., Campership – a camp scholarship program for children 5-14 years old, Boots & Shoes for children ages 5-14 years old, Holiday Aid, Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center (BANC) After School Program, Greenwich Youth Conservation Program, and Greenwich Youth Corp.; offers Homecare Services; assists with applying for Energy Assistance Programs such as the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, Operation Fuel Program, Renters Rebate Program (seniors 65+ and disabled); and administers the Community Partnership Program that grants funds to partner agencies whose services and programs strengthen the community’s capacity in providing basic human services. GDHS staff is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and evenings by appointment. Bilingual staff are available. All services are confidential. To learn more, visit greenwichct.gov or call 203-622-3800 or email GDHS@greenwichct.org. To learn of GDHS news and updates, follow GDHS on Facebook @Greenwichdeptofhumanservices and Instagram at @greenwichhumanservicesdept.
