Salvation Army Austin Sending 100-Plus Economically Disadvantaged Kids To Summer Camp

AUSTIN, TX — The Salvation Army will be sending more than 100 children from Williamson and Travis counties who are experiencing homelessness or poverty to summer camps starting in June, officials said.

Many of the children between the ages of five and 16 are currently living in Salvation Army Austin emergency shelters, officials said. Others are living at home but otherwise not able to attend summer camps like other children due to financial constraints, officials added.

Summer camp can be a memorable and important experience for any child, but especially so for children facing great hardships. The Salvation Army is inviting individuals, companies, churches and organizations to help raise funds needed to make camp a reality for these less fortunate children.

Salvation Army officials noted that summer camps running from June through August provide stability and structure in the midst of chaotic times for children. Activities include swimming lessons, outdoor exploration, sports and games, talent shows, crafts, faith-building lessons, music and much more. The camps run from June through August.

“Sending all of our children to camp is a monumental and critical undertaking,” Stacy Schwarz, Salvation Army Assistant Social Services Director, said. “Without camp, they will have nowhere to go during the summer, and their moms won’t be able to go to work. If their moms can’t work, the families will not have the income to get housing and end the cycle of homelessness.”

In addition to providing wholesome and nurturing activities, sending these children to camp allows their parents to continue to work to provide for the family, officials said. While parents are working, going to school and taking necessary steps toward self-sufficiency and stability, they have the confidence of knowing that their children are being well cared for through meaningful and fun camping experiences, officials added.

One local donor, Anita Rodriguez, shared her story of how attending Salvation Army camp many years ago with her brothers had a lasting impression on her. While her father was quite ill and often hospitalized, and her mother worked to support the family, she and her brothers were given the gift of Salvation Army camp.

Today, Rodriguez donates regularly to The Salvation Army because she wants to give other children the great experiences she had, officials said.. Read her story and see pictures from her Salvation Army camp days, including a camp letter she sent to her mom and dad by clicking here.

Members of the community wishing to donate can do so in several ways. Donate online by clicking here. Or, text the word LOCAL to 91999 to make a donation in any amount. Would-be donors also can send contributions by mail ensuring they mark their check "Summer Camp" and mailing it to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1000, Austin, TX 78767.

In addition to paying for camp registration, staffing and transportation, the funds will be used to purchase basic supplies such as swimsuits, shorts, sunscreen, flashlights and all the small items children need to attend camp. To learn more about the camp drive, click here. The deadline for donations is June 15.

>>> Photos provided by Salvation Army Austin