While the past several weeks have hit record temperatures, it has not slowed down summer fun and activities for the children. We are fortunate to have the wonderful support from French Woods, Silver Lakes, and Island Lakes sleep away camps in New York and New Jersey, local areas day camps including the YMCA Teen Camp in Boca Raton, Career Source Broward, and IGFA Fishing Camp.
Our Volunteer Director, Brenna Hovatter, has been spending her summer coordinating all things camp, and here is what she has to share!
- Paige learned how to twirl fire in a stage combat show.
- Taylor worked on her magic skills.
- Sabrina, on top of channeling her inner artist (painting), she joined a rock band and learned how to play drums.
- Ava was in the circus show and part of the acrobatic routine.
- Elan has spent his summer on the basketball courts and in the fitness rooms.
- Four girls had their first BROADWAY experience while spending a day in New York
- City and went to see “Some Like it Hot!”
- Ten children spent the day learning how to fish and about ecosystems. This was a big hit as NONE of the children had ever gone fishing
- Several of our girls learned how to make jewelry, went horseback riding, and developed new skills by learning straps and lyra in the circus department of one of the camps.
- Several of our younger kids LOVED their weekly field trips (went to two locations weekly from the zoo, urban air, movies, water park and local summer favorites)
- The biggest feedback from the YMCA teen camp program attendees is that we have FINALLY found a place that the teens enjoy going!
- One of our teen girls is attending Career Source Job Training Program and is learning office administration skills.
- An entrepreneurial sixteen-year-old started a car washing and detailing business with the help of one of our volunteers. Business is good and he is earning money!
Our goal at SOS is to provide our children with enrichment activities so they can explore their interests, discover new skills, and develop undiscovered talents. The children’s summer camp experiences have supported all that we work to do, and we are forever grateful and appreciative for all those who help make dreams come true!
