By:
To the editor:
Camp Tecumseh in Pittstown is The Salvation
Army’s camp for New Jersey families. Since 1964, the camp has been a
haven of love and care for over one thousand children each summer.
Our Special Needs Reunion Camp is a highlight of the Camp
Tecumseh season. Over the past five years with the help of the public, 400
children have attended this session. We continue to receive a growing
number of requests for this session and I am asking the public for help so
more deserving children can attend.
Our Reunion Camp is for children in foster care or under
state supervision because of family crisis and abuse. A primary goal is to
reunite brothers and sisters separated by the foster care system so they
may have a week of family fun and sharing. Many of these children are
dealing with issues of loss and separation.
Our program encourages family togetherness, character
building and social development activities that include boating, hiking,
swimming, sports, crafts and nature lore. Our camp staff and on site
professional counselors are trained to recognize and address the needs of
these children. With loving care and reassurance, we teach them the
specialness of each camper.
Children will also be given the opportunity to purchase
"back to school" supplies and clothing through "credits" received in our
behavior modification program during the week.
This year we have 80 children who want to participate.
Our goal is to locate "camperships" at a cost of $275 per child. This will
cover seven days and six nights at camp and other related programs. Anyone
interested in helping can send their check made out to The Salvation Army
and marked "Reunion Camp," P.O.Box 3170, Union, N.J. 07083 or call (908)
851-8237 for more information. The sessions begins July 15. We will be
accepting gifts all summer.
State Commander Salvation Army