Summer – the time when kids are out of school, and of course boredom seems to be unavoidable. For many, the solution seems to lie in structured activities and being outdoors. These two items are almost always combined in what many refer to as a summer camp. Unfortunately, with the high prices, it seems that the only kids who are able to go are either from the upper middle class, or higher. Some families would love to send their children to a summer camp, however, they don’t know how to go about it. Fortunately there are a few camps that offer kids the chance to attend when their parents are unable to put such a summer experience in their budgets.
Camp out for Kids
This is not exactly a summer camp, but, rather, charitable organization that raises money to send kids from poor neighborhoods to summer camp experiences all over the country. “Camp Out For Kids” was begun in 2008 by founders Marc Lifshin, Brian Neiswender, and Barry Howard. These 3 men started this company with the simple belief that camp had been a valuable experience for them as kids, and they wanted to be sure that other kids were able to have the experience as well.. Since 2008, their organization has raised over 300,000$ and has sent over 700 kids to summer camps around the country
Sherwood Forest Camp
Sherwood forest Camp, located 100 miles south of St. Louis, was founded in 1937, during the height of the Depression. Existing on a land that is over 430 acres, this camp has been making differences in the lives of kids and youth living in poverty for the last 70 years. Annually, the camp serves 350 kids whose aged 7 – 16. It is a culturally diverse place where kids not only participate in activities such as hiking or swimming, but also practice team building and decision making skills. Sherwood Forest Camp offers many activities that children from poverty households would not otherwise experience, canoeing and archery being just two of them.
The Earnest Shephard Youth Center
The goal of the Earnest Shephard Youth Center, founded in 1962, has been to make camp an affordable option for families who would otherwise not be able to provide their children with a summer camping experience. The camp sessions are mostly theme-based, including a Harry Potter and Camp Half Blood (loosely based upon the Percy Jackson series) weeks. For parents wishing a more traditional camping experience, then Crazy Daze is the choice – traditional activities, such as swimming canoeing, archery and crafts. And the most beautiful part of this experience. Not one camping session exceeds $140! and people who are quite interested can be provided with payday loans guaranteed acceptance no credit checks.
Nothing can quite equal the experience that a kid has attending a summer camp. The fact that there are opportunities for less privileged kids in Missouri speaks volumes about the commitment of some of our citizens to enriching the lives of others.
