RUMFORD – The River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition received a $2,000 grant from the Agnes M. Lindsey Trust for summer camperships.
The money will help send children ages 5 to 13 to the Summer Adventure Camp at Rumford Elementary School starting July 9.
Executive Director Patricia Duguay said she applied for the grant in March and recently learned of the award.
“In the past, we’ve received as much as $5,000,” Duguay added, “but with the economy taking a downturn in recent years, everyone’s taking a hit. We’re just happy to have received something to give to the community.”
The grant money, which the coalition has nicknamed “camperships,” will be awarded to area children whose families are unable to send them to day camp.
Duguay said that the camp will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, from July 9 to Aug. 2. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as transportation.
Themes have been arranged for each week.
“The first week will be a ‘summer tour’ theme, where the kids will have an opportunity to learn about their community better,” Duguay said.
“The second week will be the ‘Mini-Maker’ week, where kids will be constructing different things using Legos and other types of material. The third week is Move It week, which is personally my favorite,” she said. “It helps the kids get active by listening to music, dancing and exercising. The last week will be the ‘Ooey Gooey’ week. Kids will get to participate in messy science lessons.”
The fee for the camp is $60 a week, though there is a discount for multiple children from the same family.
Duguay predicted the grant may be able to pay for about 35 children.
“I just hope that we can get children out from behind the television, or off the streets, and into the community to have some fun,” she said.
To receive an application for a campership, call the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition at 364-7408.
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