Keep Kids Safe Summer Camp
"An end to violence. The opportunity to be a kid." This is the KKSSC’s message. Our goal is to give youth, ages 9-13 living in Philadelphia, who have been impacted or affected by violence in our communities, an opportunity to experience the joy of a traditional summer camp, while having fun in a safe environment. While engaging in traditional summer camp activities - swimming, arts & crafts, hiking and sports - participants also develop social and coping skills to help with their decision making at home, school and in their neighborhoods.
Considered the gem of the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia, the KKSSC provides a free one-week experience to Philadelphia youth ages 9-13 who have been affected or impacted by violence in our communities.
Youth may attend ONE encampment, which is six days and five nights. Transportation is included.
The camp is also an opportunity for participating families to get additional support or services throughout the year. Families are required to participate in orientations and the closing camp celebration.
Camper Testimonials
Robert Moore, age 11, learned chess at camp. He said, “Chess is very interesting. It makes you think. It also shows you that you must look all around you before you make a move or you can loose your pieces and get in Check. Chess is similar to real life. If one is not careful and don't watch were he is going, there could be all kinds of traps he can get into (fights, gangs, drugs), and possibly this could lead to Check Mate!!!”
Montana Logan, age 12, said, “My mother asked me to go to camp, because she said it was about helping kids get out of their neighborhood and away from violence. I met some great friends and learned a lot of things, how not to get mad every time something does not go my way.”
Camp Manager, Partners, Supporters
KKSSC is a program of the Urban Affairs Coalition (GPUAC). It is co-managed by Nu Sigma Youth Services, Inc. (NSYS) and the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network (PAAN), and supported by State Rep. Dwight Evans and the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia and the Patricia Kind Family Foundation.
History
Over the past five years, more than 700 youth have attended the Camp. Most of the participants have come from some of the Philadelphia’s most challenging areas. Many had never attended an overnight camp before. For some, this was their first opportunity to leave the City of Philadelphia.
The Camp was started by the Philadelphia Branch NAACP in 2004, following the shooting death of Faheem Thomas-Childs at T.M. Peirce Elementary School. Founding partners were Pennsylvania State Representative Dwight Evans, Philadelphia Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Urban Affairs Coalition (GPUAC) and Philadelphia Citizens for Children & Youth (PCCY).
Contributions
Donations are tax deductible, made payable to GPUAC, and should be sent to:
Attn: Bonnie Morgan
Keep Kids Safe Summer Camp
Urban Affairs Coalition
1207 Chestnut Street, 6th floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
For more information, contact Brandon Brown, Director of Youth & Family Services (Nu Sigma Youth Services), 215-851-1755; bbrown@nusigma.org
1207 Chestnut Street, 7th Floor