Neighbor News
Commissioner Castor Pledges Support of Camp Rainbow Inc.
The Lower Salford Township resident hopes to secure contributions and in-kind services for the summer camp.
Montgomery County may not be in a position to offer financial help to a long-time summer camp, but outgoing Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. said there are myriad other ways to support Camp Rainbow Inc.
Castor, 53, the longest-serving government elected official in Montgomery County, took time out recently to play basketball and hula hoop with youngsters at Camp Rainbow Inc. He hopes to help the camp secure philanthropic contributions, as well as in-kind services in the way of extra pairs of hands to spruce up the camp and make much-needed upgrades.
“I’ve always found it an exciting thing for the county to offer,” said Castor of the camp, which is situated on 18 acres along the Perkiomen Creek. “Perkiomen Valley residents see the camp as a source of pride.”
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Castor, of Lower Salford Township, exudes that sense of pride as well.
As he makes a bid to return as Montgomery County’s District Attorney, Castor said that role could put him in an even better position to help the camp. During his previous tenure as DA, Castor supported various programs focused on local youth, including the Salvation Army Camp, a form of law enforcement prevention in that it “provides alternatives for children in the summer.”
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Until a few years ago, Montgomery County had provided roughly $50,000 of the camp’s $160,000 annual operating budget. Similar “draconian” measures were taken for all county organizations – not just Camp Rainbow, he said.
About Camp Rainbow Inc.
Camp Rainbow Inc. was founded in 1951 by the Harold G. Knight Foundations. Camp Rainbow, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to offering deserving children of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania a week-long, overnight summer camping experience at a low cost to the family. The camp, which is located on beautiful acres on the Perkiomen Creek in Lower Salford Township, serves children between age 7 and 16. Camp Rainbow Inc. prides itself on teaching children valuing behavior, how to give and receive honest feedback and take responsibility for one’s actions. To learn more about Camp Rainbow Inc., or to make a contribution, visit www.camprainbowinc.com.
