Sun Camp helps build self-esteem

Friday, May 17, 2002 | 2:15 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: May 18, 2002

Many letters to the Sun Camp Fund seek help to defray the costs of a camping experience for children who have had some difficulty in school, but are working hard to improve their grades.

Camp also helps children build self-esteem and get along with others. It can teach leadership skills.

One 10-year-old boy who applied to go to camp this year also attended last year when he was an "honor camper." He says he has been working hard this year to be an honor camper again and is looking forward to returning to camp.

The mother of an 8-year-old boy says he has never been to camp. She was divorced when he was 3, so there were no "family camping experiences." She says her son would benefit greatly by the experience and a chance to form lifelong friendships.

Applications for camperships available through the Las Vegas Sun Camp Fund can be obtained at several locations throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

Forms are available in all Clark County schools and Neighborhood Resource Centers, and at the United Way, 1660 E. Flamingo Road; Cox Communications, 121 S. Martin Luther King Blvd.; and the Las Vegas Sun, 2275 Corporate Circle Drive, Suite 300, in Henderson.

Families seeking assistance from the Sun Camp Fund must meet financial eligibility requirements. Foster families are encouraged to seek camperships for their foster children.

For information, call 259-4025 or 259-4097.

You can make a difference in a child's life by joining recent contributors and making a donation to Las Vegas Sun Camp Fund:

Phyllis V. Noblitt; Elizabeth C. Miller, William and Lynda Sue Edwards; Alyeen N. Dragovich; Vincent J. Bifano; Ray and Doris Weingart; Sara Ellen Potter; David S. Shafer; P. Ringewold; and Anthony D. Hunter.

Deborah and John Cox; Nevada Epsilon Master Chapter; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Goldfus; Mr. and Mrs. Irwin I. Bronstein; Patricia L. Lehrter; Caroline and Victor Novak; CMSGT (Ret.) and Mrs. Robert L. Boudreaux; Joan K. Zubrick; Mrs. June B. Brandon; and James and Dorothy Butte.