Camp extends children’s opportunities

Friday, July 26, 2002 | 3:05 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: July 27, 2002

A week at camp would be the only real summer vacation for a 10-year-old girl, her mother says.

"She is a straight A student with a likable personality," the mother says. "She is very active in church and is a member of the Boys and Girls Clubs."

The mother adds: "I can't afford trips to Disneyland or the San Diego Zoo. Camp is her only opportunity for a summer trip."

Another single mother of a 10-year-old boy says camp would be the greatest learning experience to enrich her son's life.

"He would have the chance to explore other interests of sports and hobbies that he would not have if not for going to camp," the mother says.

All she can afford is $10 toward the costs.

A 9-year-old girl attended camp last year thanks to the Sun Camp Fund. Her mother hopes the Camp Fund can help her with expenses again this year.

"The camping experience has definitely helped to improve my daughter's social growth," her mother says. "Going again will continue to boost her self-esteem, social growth and appreciation of community services."

The girl participates in programs through the Boys and Girls Clubs, which have been positive experiences for her, her mother says.

Sometimes simple things, such as toasting marshmallows and singing around the campfire and spending time around camp counselors who are positive role models are the memories that a child will carry with her through the rest of her life.

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

Natalie Patten; Inez S. Rambeau; Arthur Curtis and Elizabeth Francis; Velva B. Weiss Family Trust; Diane Dietrich; Tracy A. Rice; John and Dolores Meehan; Rosemary Czarnecki; Daniel and Natalie Schwartz/Perma-Bilt Homes; and Kevan R. Walker.

Thomas and Kathleen Jennings; Marie Lium; Steven C. Parker; Trouble; Sneakers and Bonnie Best; Russell Gollard and Lisa Trapletti Gollard; Maxine Zusman; Charles L. Conti; Paul E. and Evelyn Roberts "In memory of son, Jim V. Dyer"; John and Anita Hershberger; and Carol B. Thompson.

Union Erectors, LLC; Edna M. Adams/Meredith Ann Sedar; United Methodist Women; Carole Lee Squires; Clara Cunegin; Meyer and Rachel Goldberg; Douglas and Maria Riach; Jamie and Sherrie Jackson; Donald and Anne Reck; and Edwina E. Batchelder.