Camp gives break from daily woes

Friday, Aug. 23, 2002 | 1:43 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: August 24, 2002

Some children who long to go to camp just need a break from family travails.

One mother who works says her 13-year-old daughter has to bear a lot of responsibility taking care of the house and her brother. The girl also helped to take care of her ailing grandfather, who died last October.

"Our income is limited so there are not a lot of special or outdoors activities for the children," the mother says.

Another mother of a young boy is seeking the Sun Camp Fund's help for her son who needs a summer vacation.

"I am clinically depressed and it has been hard on him," the mother says. "Camp would give him a break from my medical condition and, for a little while, he doesn't have to worry about me. We are so grateful for your program."

A 10-year-old girl has had to deal with considerable trauma in her young life. Her sibling died a year ago, and her mother is expecting another child.

"She needs to build self-esteem," a caseworker says. "She could benefit from one-on-one attention."

The mother of a 9-year-old boy says he also would benefit from extra attention. "Camp offers positive interaction with other children," the mother says. "It encourages healthy, competitive skills. It also promotes and develops social interaction with children of all ages."

By joining contributors to the Las Vegas Sun Camp Fund you are making a difference in a child's life.

Some recent contributors:

James Busser and Cynthia Carruthers; David and Mary Vail; Don and Elaine Stevens; Olga E. Vanderpool; Bonnie A. Cain; Conrad Villella/Basic Future Properties; Faye and Barry Bowles; Patricia Hurst; Margaret and Robert Frink; and Genevieve L. Quick.

William and Julia Redline; John and Christina Miller; Luis Alberto Campain and Maria Rosa Campain; Mary and Robert Dobiesz; Andrew Family Foundation; Paul and Kathryn Sylvester in memory of Joe Delaney; The Beaton Family Trust; Robert and Patricia Patterson; Gerald and Natalie Cardiner; and David and Angela Dawson.