How does the camp program work?
Here are some of the reasons given for applying for camp scholarships in recent applications:
“Child witness to domestic violence and victim of child abuse; grandmother is raising without financial help from either parent.”
“Dad is an alcoholic who went to jail for DUI; parents divorced so single mother is now raising four kids while dealing with multiple brain tumors.”
“Mom doesn’t have financial resources to pay for camp and child needs to have some personal time away to be a kid.”
“Single parent of five children, working and going to school full time; cannot afford camp.”
“Single mother of three makes less than $10,000 a year.”
Approximately 30 campers in 2006 were foster children.
Since its creation more than a decade ago, Summer Santa has spent close to a half-million dollars to send several thousand area children in need to summer camps. Children are placed in sleep-away and day camps of their choice.
Summer Santa believes that a summer camp experience for many children who grow up in impoverished or single-parent homes can be a life-changing experience. The children are exposed to new activities, new adults and children and new ways of approaching life. We believe these camp experiences can instill hope into their young and impressionable lives.
We receive our referrals from school guidance counselors, school nurses and principals as well as the charities with whom we partner. If you know of a child who you believe could not otherwise attend a camp without the help of Summer Santa and the child lives in one of the school districts in which we serve (Birdville, Carroll, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Grapevine and Keller), you can contact school personnel and ask if you qualify for an application.
Criteria are based on whether or not the child and parents have the ability to pay.
Approximately 300 referrals for summer camp are received by Summer Santa each year, and our ability to pay for the children’s visits to day camp and sleep-away camp is contingent on the amount of money we raise. The more we raise, the more we send.
Summer Santa is the only area charity that engages in a summer camp program of this magnitude. But the need is great. So many children qualify for free or reduced breakfast and lunch in school that we can never send enough children to enjoy a summer experience of their lifetime.
What the campers’ families say
“I had so much fun. Our team did so well. We earned five ribbons.” – Faith Christian Cheerleading Camp attendee
“My favorite thing at camp was making new friends.” – Camp El Tesoro attendee
“Our son was so excited about going to camp. We missed him to pieces while he was gone, but after hearing hours and hours about his experiences, we know that we made the right choice.” – Parent of Camp El Tesoro attendee
“My favorite part was building the stomper robot. And the best part of the whole thing was Robot Olympics and bringing home cool projects.” – Science Adventure attendee
“We are very thankful that Lauren was able to have this awesome experience. God bless you.” – Parent of Rocky Top attendee
“My favorite experience was going canoeing because the water was green and yucky. The day before we came home, we got to tip the boat over and it was gross. It was going between my toes, and it was slimy. I loved canoeing. It was a great experience for me.” – Camp Carter attendee
“It was a blessing. My son needed that week of special learning and interacting with caring adults. One day we will be on top again and will not forget this kind gesture. It was a great experience.” – Lone Star Dinosaur attendee
“It is hard to get details from my son due to his autism, but the one thing he spoke of most often was his horseback riding experiences. Special needs camps are very expensive, and it’s great to know that there is help out there.” – Parent of Camp Summit attendee
“My three foster daughters brings the number of girls under 9 years old in my house to five! I would never have been able to send Dee to camp without your program. Dee told me her favorite experience was having a horse of her very own for a week! It was a dream come true for a seven year old girl!” – Parent of Rocky Top attendee
“Thank you so much for sending my daughter to Rocky Top. She actually cried when she found out that she got to go! I have been out of work for over a year and I would not have been able to send her to camp.” – Parent of Rocky Top attendee
“I divorced my husband after he went to jail on a DUI conviction and in addition, I have multiple brain tumors and aneurysms. It is wonderful that the kids have musical theater as a creative outlet during this period. But as you know, participation in performing arts programs is expensive. As a single mother with limited resources, I am so very thankful for your organization which allowed my kids to participate in this quality program.” – Parent of Junior Stars Performing Arts Camp attendee
