Camp Rainbow Inc. Fundraising in Full Swing, Camp Set to Open

Worries over Camp Rainbow Inc.’s future have been allayed as grants and contributions have been trickling in to cover expenses for Montgomery County’s 63-year-old camp.

The camp, which was established in 1951 for deserving Montgomery County children, has struggled the last few years to make ends meet following funding cuts and dwindling donations. It costs $267 for each camper’s week-long overnight camping experience. The camp subsidizes the bulk of those fees in addition to covering regular maintenance, salaries and the cost of camping supplies and equipment. The camp’s budget annually is roughly $160,000.

Despite the funding challenges, Camp Rainbow Inc. Camp Director Alex Fizz said camp is definitely opening on June 29. Applications, which can be submitted through May 9, are on target as compared to previous years, Fizz said.

“The supply of students in financial need is not lacking in Montgomery County,” Fizz said, adding that he would never refuse a deserving child. “Heaven and earth has moved. I have never and will never turn a kid away.”

The camp offers seven week-long sessions for kids ages 7 to 16 and can accommodate a maximum of 490 campers who partake in arts and crafts activities, pool and water safety instruction, music education, sports and more.

A dueling pianos fundraiser at Camp Rainbow Inc. board member Tom Johnson’s home last month helped to raise $11,000 and a $10,000 grant, as well as other contributions have helped to bolster funds for this season.

Fundraising continues, but Johnson said there are sufficient funds for the camp to open its doors.

“We will open,” Johnson said. “There’s no question about it.”