Release: Long Island Businesses Donate to Send Peninsula Counseling Center Kids to Camp

This release was sent by Rolling River Day Camp to the editor.

For the second year, businesses across Long Island have partnered with Rolling River Day Camp in East Rockaway to donate eight tuition-free camp scholarships to deserving children selected from Peninsula Counseling Center in Valley Stream.

Rolling River Day Camp announced their initial 2011 business sponsors last week and the staff said it is excited to welcome new campers this summer.

The Campmates Program, which launched in 2010, has fostered a unique partnership that benefits the Long Island community by not only providing valuable summer experiences to children in financial need but also encouraging LI residents to shop locally and support participating neighborhood merchants.

“The best way we can thank businesses for their kindness is to expose them to our customers,” said Marissa Goodman, Campmates Program supervisor. “Campmates sponsors receive exclusive access to families and staff through sponsorship of camp events, promotions and other networking opportunities, which helps grow the local economy.”

Recipients of these scholarships, who range from ages 3-12, are overjoyed at the opportunity to attend a traditional summer camp at no cost.

“It was a blessing that this came through for my son,” said a scholarship parent. “Through the generosity of the community, I’m able to bring him here and let him have this wonderful experience. It’s a gift considering how tough it’s been the last few months.”

Through business funds, personal donations, and year-round fundraisers, the Campmates Program has raised over $25,000 in camp tuitions for children from Peninsula Counseling Center in its first year and is continuing to accept sponsors for the 2011 camp season.