CAMP BROOKLYN, BP MARKOWITZ KICK OFF UPCOMING SUMMER SEASON OF SLEEP-AWAY FUN FOR YOUNG BROOKLYNITES
More than 400 Kids Heading Off to Summer Camp This Year
"Camp is about meeting friends, making changes, positive choices and a lot more!" -
Branden
"What I really like about camp is that you make friends from all over the world and you can learn different things" - Myasia
"Camp teaches me how to survive the wildlife on my own or as a team" -
Kendall
"Bring able to have fun without any electronic devices or technology is really amazing!"- Jasmine
"You get to play many sports, some that I never knew existed" -
Nicholas
These are just five of the more than 2,000 Brooklyn children who have benefited from Camp Brooklyn, which offers young campers two weeks of outdoor fun and hands-on learning at sleep-away camps in the Northeast, thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors and caring individuals. Camp Brooklyn was founded by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz in 2002 and now operates as Camp Brooklyn Fund, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
On Monday, June 27, BP Markowitz hosted a Camp Brooklyn kickoff event at Brooklyn Borough Hall. The campers received a Camp Brooklyn backpack and T-shirt.
BP Markowitz has always stated that his camp experience--courtesy of a caring neighbor--changed his life, and he has committed himself to changing the lives of as many Brooklyn youngsters as he can. Besides, he points out, with children off from school the entire summer--sometimes with little or nothing productive to do--"summer camp is great for kids, and even better for their parents and caregivers!"
Teamwork, loyalty, wholesome health habits, responsibility and personal respect and appreciation for nature are all a part of a child's education at summer camp. Intensive camp experiences can truly open up a world of opportunities to young people. According to a 2005 study conducted by Filliber Research Associates and the American Camp Association, parents, camp staff and children reported significant growth in self-esteem; independence; leadership; friendship skills; social comfort; peer relationships; adventure and exploration; environmental awareness; values and decisions; and spirituality.
Working with SCOPE, Camp Brooklyn sends economically disadvantaged Brooklyn boys and girls to accredited sleep-away camps at no cost to the camper. Just $500 will send a child to camp for two weeks.
"We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Camp Brooklyn," said Zane Tankel, CEO & Chairman, Apple-Metro, Inc., New York Metro Area Franchisee for Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, which provided 'Grab 'n Go Boxed Lunches' for the campers. "Supporting children is an important step toward securing the future of our neighborhood. We applaud Borough President Markowitz and the Camp Brooklyn Team for their dedication to Brooklyn's youth and ensuring that they have access to enriching opportunities regardless of financial circumstance."
"Capital One Bank is proud to support Camp Brooklyn's efforts to provide hundreds of children each year the unforgettable opportunity to attend summer camp," said BJ Duffy, Brooklyn Market President, Capital One Bank. "By investing in New York's young people, we are helping to build the next generation of strong leaders, while continuing our work to foster the growth and prosperity of local communities."
Participating camps:
Camp Ramapo for Children (Rhinebeck, NY) (for children with special needs)
The Fresh Air Fund (Fishkill, NY)
Top of the Pines (Bear Mountain, NY)
Camp Fiver (Poolville, NY)
Homeward Bound (Bear Mountain, NY)
John's Boys and Girls Camp (Friendship, ME)
Camp Olmsted (Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY)
Top at Tradewinds Lake (Windsor, NY)
Trail Blazers (Montague, NJ)
Camp Vacamas (West Milford, NJ)
Wilbur Herrlich (Patterson, NY)
YMCA of Greater NY (Hugenot, NY)
YMCA Camp Hi-Rock (Mt. Washington, MA)
For more on Camp Brooklyn, enrollment eligibility and how to donate, visit www.campbrooklyn.org .
Photo by Kathryn Kirk
