Here at Mega, we strive to create opportunities for others’ success.
We’ve been blessed with so many chances to grow, thrive, and build our skillsets. Now we look for chances to lift as we climb, and repay all that we’ve been given. It’s a value that we embody at work as a conscientious employer, and everywhere we can as a community member.
That’s why we’re thrilled to support The Salvation Army Tampa Bay through several ongoing initiatives, including Random Acts of Cleanness and now The Salvation Army Summer Day Camp Fun 4 Tampa Kids.
During the summertime, it is hard for many working families to find high-quality, affordable care for their school-age kids. Even more challenging is finding a camp that provides a meaningful opportunity to grow, connect, and have enriching experiences.
Captain Ben Bridges, director of The Salvation Army Day Camp Fun 4 Tampa Kids, took time this week to share more about their 8-week Tampa program for kids ages 5 – 12.
“We love watching the kids blossom over the course of a summer. By the end of the summer, the kids will have taken weekly trips to the library, learned to swim, participated in STEM activities, played outside, sung in a choir, learned to dance or to play an instrument, spent time in the outdoors, and made lasting friendships. We are proud to offer a rich and diverse experience for each child, hopefully setting them on a trajectory of continued success,” he said.
A faith-based program serving up to 75 children per summer, The Salvation Army Day Camp offers campers activities and opportunities beyond what they may otherwise have access to.
At the same time, the Day Camp strives to meet children’s’ social and emotional needs in a holistic manner: mind, body, and spirit. Camp tuition includes not only up to 11 hours of camp, but all activities, field trips, lunches, and afternoon snacks.
The cumulative impact on participating kids, Bridges explains, is a direct and immediate experience of being valuable, valued, and loved.
“It is humbling to speak with a parent at the end of the summer who has seen a marked difference in their son or daughter because of the compassion and love that our staff has shown over the summer,” he said.
How you can help
1. SEND A CHILD TO CAMP
Scholarships and tuition breaks are only available because of funding received through private donations. Sponsor a child for a week, a month, or a whole season, and provide him a safe and compassionate environment through the summer months.
2. OPEN DOORS FOR NEW EXPERIENCES
Weekly field trips create immense value for campers. And the Tampa Bay Area is a wealth of exciting and engaging experiences for young people.
?? Can you open doors for campers to take a day trip to any of these dream destinations?
Or do you know someone who is in a position to offer complimentary admission to any of the below attractions?
Could you facilitate an introduction, partnership, or arrange an in-kind donation of admission passes?
- Lowery Park Zoo
- Florida Aquarium
- Tampa Museum of Art
- Tampa Theatre
- Straz Performing Arts Center
- Tampa Parks & Recreation – Swimming
- MOSI
- Q-Zar Lazer Tag
- Adventure Island
- Busch Gardens
- Dolphin Encounter
- Captain Memo Pirate Ship
- Tree Hoppers Zip-Lining
3. DONATE ITEMS THAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Can you, your community, or your employer meet a tangible need?
?? Arrange an in-kind donation, especially of the following items:
- Ford Transit 12-passenger vans
- Playground equipment
- Picnic tables
- Convection Ovens
- Choir microphones
- Video recording suite
- Event chairs/tables
MORE INFORMATION
- Summer camp dates: 8 weeks, from June 13 – August 5, 2018
- Open to children ages 5 – 12 years old
- Tuition rate: $50-$70 a week per child, with discounts for siblings
- Address: 1100 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL, 33604
Click here to learn more about the mission of The Salvation Army Tampa and the Fun 4 Tampa Kids day camp.
