Thanks to a $1,500 contribution from the Rotary Club of Horsham, more than 30 boys and girls participating in the Teen Adventure Program at The College Settlement Camp in Horsham have new equipment for a wilderness journey designed to enhance character development and build environmental awareness.
The program for 13 and 14-year-olds, divided into four sessions - two for girls, two for boys - is a 12-day journey with emphasis on backpacking, hiking and experiential learning, said Jan Finnegan, director of development for College Settlement and the Kuhn Day camps. The camps, located on 235 acres off Witmer Road in Horsham, serve young people from the greater Philadelphia area and provide financial support to campers.
The program focuses on leadership development, group living dynamics, outdoor experiences and camp crafting skills. During the trip, which takes participants to the camp’s outpost in the Pocono Mountains and to several state parks, campers sleep in tents and prepare all their meals outdoors.
Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Teen Adventure participants must apply for the coveted openings and are chosen, in part, from evaluations written by staff members from the previous summer. All College Settlement campers are told about the program and the criteria necessary for recommendations.
“This unique program allows 13 and 14 year olds to continue their association with CSC and gives many of them a chance to escape the realities of city life at a time in their lives when they are most vulnerable to negative influences,” said Finnegan. “The program teaches campers to explore new ideas, work in teams, and support one another. They are challenged to not just spend time out in nature, but to utilize their heads, their hearts, and their hands as they become increasingly self-aware of who they are and how they can make a positive influence on the world.”
Find out what's happening in Hatboro-Horshamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For additional information about The College Settlement Camp, its work and mission, visit www.collegesettlement.org or call 215-542-7457.
#
In photo, viewing the new equipment are, first row, from left: Jan Finnegan, director of development and Karyn McGee, camp director. In the back row, from left, are: Tony Colibraro, Horsham Rotary member; campers Anyea Brittingham, Alejandra Hernandez and Sharee Miller, all of Philadelphia; Adele Bova, Horsham Rotary member; campers Tiera Jackson, Ardmore, and Ciara Freeman, Philadelphia; and counselors Jessica Clancy and Reuben Page.
