Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Camp has fruitful history

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, May 29, 2003 | 8:11 a.m.

It was more than 30 years ago that Charlotte Hill came to see Las Vegas Sun Publisher Hank Greenspun about sponsoring needy children for summer camp.

It didn't take too much persuasion, as the Sun publisher had fond memories of attending camp when he was a youngster.

Hill, whose activities as a community volunteer are unsurpassed, was on the board of directors of the Economic Opportunity Board at the time.

In that capacity, she had asked for a grant to fund a summer camping program for children in need.

It was when these funds were no longer available that she turned to Greenspun for help.

I was given the assignment to assist Hill, and what a privilege that was.

A board of directors was formed including (and longtime Las Vegans will remember these names) Stella Fleming, Art Ham Jr., Dan Goldfarb, Barbara Greenspun, Charles Smith, Jim Cashman III, H.P. Fitzgerald, Vince Fallon and Verle Davis-Hoggard.

All of the members brought special talents and a deep love of children to the board.

Educator Ruby Epps was hired to administer the program, a position she holds to this day.

The first Sun Camp Fund Board approached the idea with a lot of enthusiasm but not too much knowledge of just how it should work.

As the saying goes, "They must have done something right."

Today the project is much more structured and sophisticated, but still with the same goal -- sending children from low-income homes, foster children and, in some cases, children with physical handicaps to summer camp.

The current board includes the longtime chair, Hill, Sue Brand, Jeffrey Burr, Brian Cram, Joseph Ham, Verlia David-Hoggard, Jenny DesVaux Oakes, Vince Fallon, Beverly George Crosby, Barbara Greenspun, Larry Lindholm, Charles Smith, Dr. Diane Pollard and this columnist.

As Las Vegas has grown, so have the needs of our children. Since 1970 the Sun Camp Fund has sent thousands of children to camp, where they have been enriched through interaction with other children and involvement with nature.

Of course, as with any program, the need for sufficient funds is overwhelming. Camperships average about $300 per child. Our community has been extremely supportive of the Sun Camp Fund, for which the board is most grateful, but there is always a need.

One feature that appeals to donors is the fact that 100 percent of your donation goes directly to make happiness happen for a disadvantaged child.

All administrative costs are borne by the Las Vegas Sun, including staff requirements, phones, mailing, transportation etc. All contributions are tax deductible.

The Sun Camp Fund works with local youth agencies in contracting for camp space. All camps are carefully screened for health and safety. The Sun Camp Fund serves youth ages 7 to 15.

Is this an unabashed appeal for funds? Of course it is. There can be no greater satisfaction in life than to know one has been able to bring joy into the life of a child.

For further information, call Dee McConnell at 259-4097. Or, better still, put a check in an envelope and mail it to Sun Camp Fund, 2275 Corporate Circle, Ste. 300, Henderson, NV 89074.