Kamp Director

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Kiwanians and clubs that donated their time, money and effort to make the summer season of 2013 a success.
Each summer we open our doors to some of the most beautiful, excited and talented children in New York.
Kamp is a vibrant, fast-paced reminder of what children are capable of when others care. Kampers come to Kamp to laugh and play but more often than not find a program and environment that allows them to grow and learn. Children build confidence, friendships and hope at Kamp, lessons which they can take away and use for their own betterment, all thanks to Kiwanis.
Often those not involved with Kamp wonder what benefits Kamp really gives to the kids it serves. I can tell you from the privileged position of knowing these children that Kamp makes a difference. For all the many natural gifts our Kampers possess they contend with many hardships that are unimaginable to most of us. Many of the children we care for live below the poverty line; they live in unstable and unhealthy family situations, in close proximity to violence, substance abuse and often without the support or help form those around them.
Kamp enables kids to be free of fear; to be sure they will be fed and safe. Kamp encourages these children to try new things and learn how to cope with success and failure. Kamp helps kids to build self esteem and to hope to achieve more; it lets them know they don't have to be limited by circumstance, that they can have the future they deserve.
This is how Kamp is successful at helping kids. Why Kamp is successful is down to the Kiwanians that give so much of themselves to raise the money to sponsor Kampers and provide this experience for our youth. Every dollar raised and every child sponsored is a potential opportunity to make a difference and we thank you for the commitment and sacrifices you have made.
This year we served 594 children at Kamp Kiwanis. Unfortunately this number is lower than previous years. It is understandable as many monies intended for Kamp were diverted to care for those affected by Superstorm Sandy. In the past when Kiwanis clubs sponsor Kampers they sent $440 and if required an additional $110 for busing. This should cover all costs for each Kamper, however in reality when we serve 594 Kampers the true cost per Kamper with busing is $721. Kamp has numerous fixed costs such as insurance, staffing, facility maintenance, transportation, mortgage payments and so. The more Kampers we serve the lower the cost per Kamper becomes. The hope and goal of Kamp for next season is to increase the number of Kampers that attend Kamp. Our capacity is 840 kampers but if we served 720 kampers per season then the cost per Kamper would drop and would be altogether covered by the club sponsorship fees. Included in this ESK is the actual costs per kamper for the 2013 season.
As it stands each year any shortfall in Kamper numbers is covered by grant writing and generous donations from Kiwanians and other individuals. This money though is not guaranteed and the drop in number of Kampers can threaten the Kamp's long term financial stability. If we served 720 Kampers per season then this stability would be ensured and any additional grant monies could be channeled into the property, its mortgage and long term security. As it stands this year the Foundation Board voted to increase the price per kamper, both children and adults. Child tuition went up $10 to $450 and $40 for busing to make it $150 per child kamper to be more in line with the costs per kamper.
For Kamp to increase the number of Kampers for next season we need to call upon the generosity, creativity and care of Kiwanians. We hope each member can not only continue the amazing work they have been doing but channel their energies into raising Kamperships, awareness of Kamp with others and strive to find ways in which to increase our numbers.
This is no easy task but if we succeed not only will Kamp be financially more secure but we will (and more importantly) be giving 720 children the chance to experience Kamp, 720 potential opportunities to help children that need our help, 720 opportunities to build a brighter future.
 

Column Posted on Web Site December 29, 2013