Posted by Rosie Reeves on March 2, 2020 · Leave a Comment
Summer is in the distant future in my mind, but the buzz at my school’s pick-up and drop-off area has already turned to camp. Working parents (as well as stay-at-home parents) are scrambling to find programs that will keep their kids engaged and challenged and also give them great social skills and memories. Children with special needs may have serious medical conditions or need support with daily living skills, but that doesn’t mean that they have to miss out on the camp experience …thanks to Paul Newman.
Yes, the handsome man on the spaghetti sauce jar (and amazing human being and actor) started a camp in Connecticut for seriously ill kids back in 1988. He thought all kids deserved some time to have some “serious fun” and just be kids. We all know that laughter is the best medicine, and the campers have the opportunity to find new strengths and make new friends – all the while being cared for in a safe environment.
The program has seriously grown, with participating camps and programs nationwide. Now the actor’s legacy is even being shared globally – and don’t let me forget to mention that for kids who are accepted there is no charge. Yup, thanks to grants, donations and other amazing connections this is all free for the campers and their families! As you can imagine, they always need volunteers, too.
Find your closest program, camp or volunteer opportunity here.
