Camp S.O.A.R. – volunteers and contributions

Posted by on May 9, 2003

Hi Everyone!
Hope this message finds you all well.

Among various projects that I am working on is the development and implementation of a 2-week long summer camp, Camp S.O.A.R. (Summer of Opportunity, Art & Recreation) for a group of inner-city kids (ages 5-12) from the Kensington area in North Philadelphia . It will take place June 23rd–July 3rd , 2003, the period right after school closes to the official start of city-wide camp programs. I am working with the Philadelphia Health Corps, an AmeriCorps group of dedicated and concerned individuals who have come together to bridge the gap of summer opportunities that are available to under-served children and youth, by making this happen!!!

We are relying on : in-kind and monetary donations and other things in the works (i.e., car washes), volunteers and resources for the development of Camp S.O.A.R.

It is a true opportunity to make a difference. We will be taking the kids on field trips to get them to see things outside of the city, (which some of them have never left), ( i.e., farms, colleges, nature settings), do arts and crafts, sports and activities, and most of all create an atmosphere where they feel safe, have fun and can express themselves.

These kids in these communities have become very close to my heart over the past few months…they are smart kids, with a tremendous amount of talent, passion and curiosity…unfortunately there are few opportunities for them to have an experience which encourages individual development and exposes them to the opportunities that are available outside of the concrete jungle of the city, the poverty, drugs and violence which they are more likely to be around once school is out especially.

Though some of you are quite a distance from Philadelphia, there are ways that you can support this initiative to pave a better path for underserved youth. I would appreciate any contribution you can make as I cannot stress enough the need for this type of opportunity for such great kids.

So here are the ways that you can be a part of this great event!:

1) Contributing an in-kind or monetary donation…
In-kind donation: basically anything that is not money (i.e., gift certificates, supplies, food, drinks, equipment or anything else that you think may be useful for a camp like this!)

Monetary: any amount is helpful…a check can be made out to:
Health Federation of Philadelphia , mailed to the office address: 1211 Chestnut Street, Suite 801, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Attention: Cathy Madeja

*Remember! …all donations are tax-deductible…and making a difference in the life of a child:)

2) Volunteering your time during the camp…
Whether it’s one day, four days or nine days, we are in need of people who are responsible, enthusiastic, like working with kids and interested in service. Volunteering for Camp S.O.A.R will broaden your horizons, expand your mind and help you give back to the Kensington community.

3) Providing resources…
If you have any resources/contact information that may help us in the development and implementation of the camp (such as: staffing, fundraising, research/development, publicity/outreach), please let us know!!

Values of comunity empowerment, continuous service, support of all people’s abilities, and mutual respect for everyone are ideals that we will promote through our summer camp program by acting as role models for youth.

Ok, that’s about it… Thank you so much for your support! Have a great day!

Peace,
Cathy Madeja
For more information, (215) 567-8001 madeja@hfedu.org