Camp Lots of Fun

August 2007

Since 1990, Camp Lots-of-Fun has offered the children residing in the IRF’s two sheltering programs for families a safe haven and a respite from the storm of homelessness. Camp Lots-of-Fun 2006 was a resounding success, providing 30 children with two weeks of fun-filled days that lifted their spirits and gave them the joy, for that precious time, of just being carefree children.  Grace Lutheran Church in River Edge once again graciously hosted Camp, which ran from August 21 – September 1.

Cindy Blinn, IRF Board member and IRF Youth Council director, shared two heartwarming stories about a couple of this year’s campers with her fellow Board members at their early September meeting. Twelve-year old Samantha, who loved to bowl with her family before they became homeless, had not had the pleasure of this activity for some time since the family fell on hard times.  Samantha was absolutely delighted the day that the Camp descended on Bowler City in Hackensack in their bright t-shirts.  This young girl’s skills are still top-notch—she bowled three strikes and was beaming from ear to ear.  Six-year old Jay was deathly afraid of the water and did not want to go near it when the campers arrived at The Park Ridge Swim Club. Because of Camp Lots-of-Fun’s 1:1 camper-to-counselor ratio, Jay was very carefully and gradually encouraged to get in the water with games and other incentives.  By the time Camp went on its second swimming outing at the end of the first week, little Jay was splashing with glee in the shallow end with all of his Camp friends.