Day Camp Creates Possibility

For many of our campers and their families, summer camp is a total immersion experience lasting one, two, or four weeks. One camper explains, “Camp is just like one huge sleep-over that lasts for a month!”  

 Yet, for over 340 boys and girls who reside in Pamlico, Craven, and other surrounding counties, Camp can also be a daytime experience full of character building fun. Summer Day Camp Director, Margot Patterson comments, “Our day campers come to Seafarer and have the best time. Every day at least one child comes up to me and says that they can’t wait for tomorrow. One camper got really upset when I told them that it was Saturday and we would have to wait until Monday to see each other again!”

 As our largest outreach program, Summer Day Camp is made possible because of philanthropic contributions from the Camp Annual Fund. Because of these donations, we are able to subsidize program fees for Pamlico County residents, offer transportation to and from Camp, and provide safe and character building programs that go beyond the standard day camp experience.

 “Like our resident campers, these day campers go home different too” Margot reflects. One thirteen-year-old boy in particular Marot will never forget. “Alonzo consistently had a great attitude every day and set an example to his peers.” As a part of his 10 day experience, Alonzo asked if he could help out with the youngest day campers in Huddle 1 for a day. By doing so, he gave up his priority day to participate in certain activities. “That day Alonzo chose to give of himself to benefit others. A day spent at the climbing wall and on the blob was less important to him than making sure the 5 and 6 year olds were having fun.”

 Without the Camp Annual Fund, Alonzo would not have gotten this opportunity to build relationships with the youngest huddle or develop his leadership skills as an adolescent. “Thanks to the Camp Annual Fund, we have an amazing day camp program that empowers youth to step up as leaders while at camp and then back home in their neighborhoods. It truly is transforming the community.” Margot comments.