Caring Camp Collection

Your family can help children in need or children with life threatening illnesses who attend camp on scholarships by collecting items that they can use at camp. You can also help replenish supplies at camps they attend with a FamilyCares Caring Camp Collection.

Children who are fortunate to get scholarships may not have the supplies that they need.

Your family can contact your local YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, social services department or a school in a low-income area to identify kids that could use help with camp supplies.

Items must be new. Your family can send a few items or many items. All supplies are welcome and needed. Ten of the top items requested are:

Backpacks
Duffel bags
Flashlights & batteries
Disposable Cameras
Water bottles
Rain Ponchos
Beach Towels
Sun Screen
Bathing Suits
Sweatshirts

Other desirable items include:

Board games: regular and travel size
CD Players and Batteries
Crayons/Colored Pencils/Markers
Journals and pens
Flip-flops
Sidewalk Chalk
Sleeping Bags
Sun Glasses
Fanny Packs
Balls-all types including Nerf & Whiffle

Two camps that will gratefully accept your collections are:

AmeriCares Camp AmeriKids, a camp for children ages 7-15 who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Children attend for free. You can visit their website at www.campamerikids.org/ for more information and a more extensive wish list. Items can be mailed directly to AmeriCares.

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a camp for children with cancer and life-threatening illnesses founded by Paul Newman and open free of charge to kids across the nation. You can visit their website at www.holeinthewallgang.org for more information and their wish list. To find out about other Hole in the Wall supported camps for children of serious illness visit www.holeinthewallcamps.org.

Fast Family Fundraising Ideas – It is even more fun when you join with other families. Make a poster that explains why and who you are raising money for.

Lemonade Stand – Set one up in your neighborhood or at the sports fields in town.

Baby Sitting and Yard Chores – (weeding, car wash) for family, friends and neighbors.

Bottle and Can Redemption – Collect bottles and cans from family and friends and redeem at the supermarket.

Family Tag Sale – A great chance to clean out items, toys, books, videos clothes – your trash is someone's treasure. Ask family and friends to donate items to your sale. Check with your town hall if you need a permit.