“Tammy had no idea at age seven how her first experience with The Salvation Army summer camp would change the course of her life,” says Braga, “and now she is one of some 140 trained staff who run the camps all year round, as we make our facilities available to other nonprofits and agencies when we are not using them.”
Growing up with a single mom and four siblings, Tammy remembers being shy and fearful as a little girl. She credits the music she learned at camp for bringing hope into her life. Even though her home life was tough, Tammy recalls singing those songs with her brothers and sisters to remember the joy of being at camp.
“Many children from low-income families rarely experience life outside their immediate neighborhood. That’s why The Salvation Army’s annual summer programs for kids are so important,” said Major Isaias Braga, The Salvation Army San Bernardino area director.
Years later, Tammy is bringing that same joy to children as a member of The Salvation Army camp staff, making sure kids in her community experience the life-changing power of summer camp for themselves.
“Every year, thousands of kids of all ages get a fresh perspective on life as they meet new friends, discover new activities, and get a taste of the great outdoors. As campers learn to swim, play sports, create music, make art, and scout, their trained counselors help them navigate the complicated emotions and struggles often associated with their lives back home,” said Major Braga.
“A week at one of our summer camps costs $350 for one child,” says Major Braga, “but the child’s family pays only $25, thanks to the generosity of people who know that being at camp exposes kids to positive influences and keeps them away from gangs and drugs.”
Sadly, we know that children are most likely to commit or experience criminal activity between 3 and 6 p.m. on weekdays. But if they are at camp, their exposure is a whole different experience, said Major Braga.
At the Salvation Army’s Summer Camps for Kids, campers learn to swim, play sports, go scouting and make music and art while under the watchful eyes of trained counselors. They make new friends, learn new games and activities, and have a great time enjoying California’s spectacular great outdoors.
“Tammy had no idea at age seven how her first experience with The Salvation Army summer camp would change the course of her life,” says Braga, “and now she is one of some 140 trained staff who run the camps all year round, as we make our facilities available to other nonprofits and agencies when we are not using them.”
Please help our children have a safe and wonderful summer. Please mail a tax-deductible donation to: Salvation Army Camp Sponsorship, P.O. Box 26, Redlands, CA 92373 or donate online at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/equip-families/, said Major Braga.
About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. To donate go to: www.salvationarmyusa.org
