Not just a means of escape, but also for healing. This past summer of 2007, hearing crickets minus the thundering sound of street violence was an unheard melody to nearly 150 children, who left the city for peace of mind in the country.

"An end to violence. The opportunity to be a kid." This is the message of the Keep Kids Safe Summer Camp. Our goal is to help kids who have seen violence up close – too close – experience the joy of summer camp, and find friendship and fun in a safe environment. While engaging in the normal activities of summer camp - swimming, arts & crafts, hiking and sports - these children also learn to deal with the violence that surrounds them, in their city neighborhoods.

Nearly 500 children have attended the Keep Kids Safe Summer Camp over the past four years. Not only had they experienced violence in their everyday lives, but they came from some of the city's poorest neighborhoods. 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 the Philadelphia NAACP, GPUAC and Philadelphia Citizens for Children & Youth.

This free Summer Camp Experience is for youth ages 9 to 13 who reside in Philadelphia and have been impacted or affected by violence in their communities. Held at Fellowship Farm in Pottstown, PA the camp extends for three cycles.  Youth may attend ONE encampment, lasting six days and five nights. When camp ends, they and their families are linked to supportive services that are offered year-round, such as special after-school programs.

Campers’ Commentary

Maurice, age 12, His mother writes:  “Camp allows him to know that violence does not have to be the norm. It allows him to relax and enjoy his time without hearing sirens, running from gunshots or witnessing any violence.”

Damir, age 10, His mother writes: “Camp has had a profound impact on Damir.  His camp experience taught him that conflict can be resolved without the unnecessary use of violence.  Unfortunately, he has been affected by violence on at least three occasions this year.  He lost a wonderful coach and two family friends.”

Sponsors

The Keep Kids Safe Summer Camp (KKSSC) is a program of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition (GPUAC).  It is managed by Nu Sigma Youth Services, Inc. (NSYS) and the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network, and supported by State Rep. Dwight Evans and the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Patricia Kind Family Foundation, Fellowship Farm and The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News.

Contributions

$667 pays for one camper to go to camp [excludes planning, administration, training and programming; expenses to manage the camp and provide supportive services to the campers before and after camp]

$100 gets two campers and their parents to camp and back, on a bus [also the parents for a day trip only, to see their child and the camp]

Donations are tax deductible and should be sent to:

Keep Kids Safe Summer Camp

c/o Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition

1207 Chestnut Street, Suite 700

Philadelphia, PA 19107

For more information, contact Brandon Brown, Coordinator, 215-851-1848; bbrown@gpuac.org.