Most camps are closed, but thanks to the Salvation Army of Greater New York, children are now enjoying a camp experience – from their homes. Underserved kids and families are receiving games, activities, arts and crafts supplies, even snacks, sunglasses, and t-shirts, delivered to their residences.
Once a week, “campers” will receive a box with different themed items and activities they would get if they were actually attending camp in person.
Each fun and educational box addresses areas of concern, such as food insecurity, summer learning loss/regression, and anxiety/stress. With a mission to provide services to children in need, every child will also be assigned a virtual camp counselor to interact with, whether over the phone or through video chat.
Nonprofit New York Cares volunteers meet with the Salvation Army of Greater New York staff and volunteers to assemble and deliver more than 1,000 boxes each week providing kids this welcomed reprieve throughout New York’s five boroughs, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island.
CBS New York, Fox 5 New York, and Spectrum 1 News covered the story. You can find CBS New York’s story here and a video from Fox 5’s segment here.
