Summer camp offers important social contact for kids

Friday, May 31, 2002 | 2:17 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: June 1, 2002

Attending summer camp is more than a fun activity. Many parents who seek the Sun Camp Fund's help say their children benefit by the social contact with their peers in a positive setting.

Camp helps children build their self-esteem and independence. It also allows them to experience things they will remember for the rest of their lives.

The mother of an 11-year-old boy says he has improved his grades in school. "He has the opportunity to shine and prove he can do it," she says.

But he doesn't have the opportunity to spend time with relatives since he has no other family in Las Vegas. The mother says he would benefit from a camping experience with other children away from home, but she cannot afford to pay the fees.

The mother of a 12-year-old girl says she doesn't have much time to spend with her daughter, because she is a single parent taking care of her sick mother.

"I sometimes feel bad about not doing the fun things that we could do, but this little girl really, really understands," the mother writes.

Her daughter loves going to the Boys and Girls Club, where she is involved in fun activities. She would enjoy going to camp with other children at the Boys and Girls Club.

"It would take her mind off what Mommy can't do," her mother says.

The single mother of two boys, ages 12 and 10, describes them as bright, energetic young men who rarely get an opportunity to go on outings.

The boys have no contact with their father. The mother can pay a small amount toward camp, but needs help with the remaining costs. She has contacted the Sun Camp Fund.

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.

Some recent contributors:

David Kaliner; Joe and Sandy Garcia; R.S. and Carma Hartman "In memory of Mathew Todd Brown"; Robert, Betty and Gary Rinehart; Christine M. Price; Nemorio and Marie Baltazar; Cynthia "Sindee" Lacefield; Marjorie A. Verna; Jerry and Margaret Matherly; and Joseph and Sondra Birken.

Southwest Sign-Art; E. Douglass and Eva Pushard; Helen and Alexander Bellet; Bruce Whitcomb; James M. Rizzo; David and Carol Brown; David and Mary Amy Vivian; Sylvia Berger and Caryn Dibble; William and Michiko Stewart; and Joyce E. Meagher.

Marion Van Buren; Paul K. Bowker; Frank and Wanda Tirimacco; Vera L. Horning; Don and Karen Daily; Sherry L. and David F. Mancuso; Molly A. Maher; Phillip and Norma Wilensky "In memory of Frank A. Wilensky"; Edward and Sheral Guthrie; and George W. and Verna C. Shoen.

Muriel Stevens "In memory of Lillie-McGuire Long"; F. Mike and Beverly Pinjuv, Ttees; William L. Corcoran; Joyce A. Riser; Albert and Virginia Hall; Nancy Gambardella and Susan Covey; Charles and Marlene Huebert; Diana L. Uwing; Murray and Sophie Coombs; and Rosemon P. Ellison.

Mrs. Menno M. Kennel; Susan S. Griffin; Robbie Paez; E. Michael Evans; Alvin R. Welton; Virginia Jablonski; Gerald and Kathryn Murch; J. Michael Schaefer; Charlene Thomas; Ned H. Wilk and Dessie M. Mitchell.

Chester "Rusty" and Stephanie Wilson; Mr. and Mrs. William C. Eubank; Marsha and Robert Tarte; Eugene and Mary Buonantony; Shirley and Ben Druckerman; Dorothy B. Turner; Nancy L. Morris/Lakes Errand and Delivery Service; Jane and George Jafer; Cynthia L. Sitar; Cal/Nev Safety and Health Inc.

William P. George; Eldora Barthen; Mary and Frank Ragusa; Mervin S. Skillestad; Sarah E. Ralston; LN Inc.; William and Sharon Trent; William and Sheila Hill; William P. Johnson; and L.B. and Ruth Dixon.