Each fall the Department of Parks and Recreation reviews its summer activities in an effort to continually improve the programs its offers. In doing so, it is absolutely imperative that the Department thanks its partners and supporters who help to make these programs successful.
The first thank you is to Sean Fischel Connect (SFC) for their continued support of the Special Needs Summer Camp. Their generous donation has allowed for the Special Needs Camp to expand its services from the 28 families it served in 2015 to 37 in 2016. This program has experienced a 350% increase since its inception in 2008 and the SFC donations that began in 2013 have allowed for the Department to meet these needs.
Thanks to their contribution the Department was able to provide more staff and accommodate more children in the program up to the age of 21. In addition to offering more families opportunity to engage in this program, the contribution of SFC and the Departments other partners have maintained the low and manageable cost of $75 which has never increased since the program’s inception.
Thank you also goes out to the additional sponsors of the Recreation Special Needs Camp. Thanks to the Moorestown Education Foundation, Bayada Health Services Group and Quaker Wealth Management, the Special Needs Summer Camp has expanded its content as well. This specialized camp offers not only continuing education opportunities during the summer months but also learning opportunities outside the classroom. From onsite camp activities to offsite field trips, the Recreation Special Needs Camp provides special needs students and their families’ important support throughout the summer.
An additional contributor to the Special Needs Camp is the law firm of McDowell, Posternock, Apell and Detrick who provided drawstring backpacks for each camper. Providing each student with a special camp backpack helped to keep the campers organized for special activities as well as helping campers to identify one another in a large group setting. The Moorestown Lunch Rotary also provided scholarships for two students to attend this highly rated camp.
Additional thanks goes to the Holman Automotive Group for its sponsorship of the Playbill for the Summer Theater Program. Holman’s continued support of the Recreation Summer Theater allows the more than 100 children who participate to have a lasting memento of their theatrical experience. Encouraging success in the arts is part of Holman’s mission and the Department of Parks and Recreation is grateful to be a recipient of their continued generosity.
And finally, thank you to two of the Department’s Community Partners — MooreKids and Live Civilly. MooreKids generously provided financial support to 19 children this summer to attend the Recreation Summer Camps — from Summer Parks to Theater — and many of the specialized sports camps. Their continued support of these programs serves their mission: Making everyday necessities, educational activities and enrichment opportunities accessible to Moorestown’s underserved youth.
In addition, Community Partner, Live Civilly provided 525 healthy lunches to all scholarship participants this year making their total numbers for the Summer Lunch Program more than 3,100 over the last four years.
On behalf of the Department of Parks and Recreation we thank our continued partners for their commitment to Moorestown’s youth, our special needs families and those families who struggle with fundamental necessities. For information about being a contributing sponsor to the Special Needs Summer Camp please contact the department at (856) 914–3093. For general information about recreation programs visit our website at www.moorestownrec.com.
