Brandon Twp.- Arts and crafts, boating and fishing, swimming and more are all a part of summer camp, an annual ritual for many children, but Mary Klein’s three grandchildren may never have experienced it at all without Brandon Groveland Youth Assistance.
Brandon, 12, Bryan, 10, and Abby, 6, enjoyed summer camp with their grandmother at Crossroads Village last year, courtesy of BGYA, which offers camp and skill building scholarship programs that grant funds to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity due to financial, social, emotional, or other needs.
‘We’re going again this year as a family for a whole week,? says Klein. ‘It’s wonderful? the most relaxing, fun thing… It’s such a peaceful time.?
Sue Stapleton, chairperson for the BGYA camp committee, said team-building is one of the pluses of the program, as well as teaching children ‘how to live without electronic devices and get in touch with nature.?
‘It’s a healthy, wholesome place for kids to spend some time,? she added.
Klein’s three grandchildren are among 30 campers BGYA will send to camp this year courtesy of the Adopt-a-Camper program, says BGYA Caseworker Phyllis McCaffrey.
Previously, BGYA was able to send a few campers per year to Camp Copneconic, but this year, they are aiming to increase the number of kids benefitting by sending 15 campers to Camp Skyline, and another 15 to Crossroads Youth Camp.
To do this, BGYA is, for the first time, asking for help from businesses and individuals in the community, due to funding cuts.
‘We are truly helping the schools and community,? McCaffrey said. ‘We rely on in-kind services, donations and sponsorship. We’re just trying to help kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go to camp.?
Klein is grateful her family was given the opportunity.
‘They are so encouraging to try things,? she said. ‘It builds self-esteem. I would recommend to anyone that is able to contribute, do. Lots of low-income kids are at a crossroads… are they going to go down the wrong track or go the right way? This kind of stuff really helps them to go down the right road.?
For more information, call (248) 627-6445.