Summer Camp; more than just fun and field trips

It is hard to imagine children who do not look forward to summer break, however, as Positive Tomorrows’ school year ended, our students were not as thrilled as one would think.  At first thought, the idea of not having school work was exciting to them but as they began to realize their only source of stability was going away, anxiety took over.  One child, Cecilia, said, “I wish school could go on forever.”  Chris, a 4^th grade boy, said, “I think school is the best part of my day.”  These are not sentiments often expressed by 3^rd and 4^th grade students.

 It is important to recognize what Positive Tomorrows provides for our students.  Many of these children live in constantly changing home environments.  Those who live in shelters find unsettled conditions with new individuals coming in and out.  The children who lack even the stability of a shelter are constantly moving themselves.  They aren’t certain where they will settle down and because of the constant change, they learn not to attach to any other children or adults. 

 But these children do find stability at Positive Tomorrows.  Regardless of how often they move, they always have friends, familiar faces and a schoolhouse that does not change.  They know food is there when they feel hungry and that clothing will be provided if they need it.  They count on the care and stability we provide in their lives, so we make certain to be available year-round. 

 Positive Tomorrows partners with Camp Fire USA to provide 7 weeks of summer adventure.  Campers have breakfast, lunch and many activities that inspire and educate young minds.  They go to museums, go swimming, go ice skating, visit the outdoors, learn about theater and participate in character building.  More importantly, they have a familiar place to be each day that does not change, has structure and rules where they fit in and flourish. 

 “Positive Tomorrows provides homeless children activities they traditionally miss out on like field trips, family experiences and summer vacation,” said Susan Agel, president of Positive Tomorrows.  “It is a wonderful thing to provide—a summer adventure they will remember for the rest of their lives.”