Neighbor News
Port Washington Library Scholars Head to Summer Camp
The scholarship recipients were recommended via the library's English For Speakers of Other Languages and Homegrown Reader initiatives.
As a result of Port Washington Public Library’s recommendation, twenty-two children were given the opportunity to attend a six-week summer sports camp program completely free, sponsored by the Port Washington Police Athletic League (PAL) and local non-profit Summer Together.
The scholarship recipients were recommended to the summer program via the Port Washington Public Library’s English For Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Homegrown Reader family initiatives.
What was initially supposed to be a three-week camp became a full six-week experience when Rob Elkins, Director of PAL, upgraded all Summer Together scholarship recipients to full-time campers and extended their enrollment by three additional weeks.
Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to Javiera Arenas of the Port Washington Public Library, “The countless “thank yous” and “God bless you alls,” could not even begin to express the gratitude that these families had [for this opportunity].
As a sign of appreciation, the children drew handmade cards for the coaches, counselors, and staff at the camp. Additionally, with help from Port Washington Public Library’s Lesly Sagatume, the families arranged and collected money to buy a group gift for the counselors and Director Rob Elkins.
Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The happiness that this camp brought them during these strange times is beyond words,” continued Javiera Arenas.
ABOUT SUMMER TOGETHER
Summer Together is a wholly volunteer-run program that funds summer camp scholarships and public-pool memberships for Port Washington families in need of economic assistance. Summer Together is a program of Long Island Together (LIT), a group of local community activists working to improve access to educational and enrichment opportunities for children, among other social justice causes.
In Summer 2020, the program's third year, the Summer Together team worked diligently to enable Port families to experience safe and enriching summer activities amid the challenges of the pandemic.
ABOUT THE PORT WASHINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Port Washington Public Library has been serving the community since 1892, when it was housed in a local family’s front parlor. Today, the library is a thriving center for community engagement, knowledge, and personal enrichment that serves the Port Washington School District and the surrounding area.
Contact: The Port Washington Public Library (516) 883-4400 library@pwpl.org
