Camp Harbor View Kicks Off Summer 2008
Through the support of the Boston community, a great deal of teamwork, and some recycled Big Dig materials, Camp Harbor View is prepared to provide campers a fresh, fun season two
After a remarkably successful inaugural season, Camp Harbor View has made major improvements and additions to its campus and curriculum in preparation for a highly anticipated season two.
This summer Camp Harbor View will host a total of 640 children on Long Island in the Boston Harbor, a 40 slot increase from last season. Of the 640, approximately half are returning campers from 2007.
“Camp Harbor View was an instant success in its first year,” said Mayor Menino. “The tremendous level of community involvement that it generated shows just how important it is for kids to have such an enriching opportunity. It’s great to see that not only are half of the campers returning from last year, but the Camp has made sure to add even more activities this year. Only with that sort of continuity and strong relationship over time can we make a lasting impact on these children.”
Campers in 2008 will enjoy all activities available last year with the addition of some exciting new programs. Camp programming is based on five core areas of development: Leadership Skills, Knowledge is Power, Sports and Fitness, Creative Expression, and new in 2008 – Aquatics. Campers are able to participate in activities such as biking, basketball, baseball, swimming, gardening and environmental studies, a ropes course and climbing wall, hiking and field trips. New programs being added for the 2008 season include sailing and kayaking, theater and performing arts, multi-cultural education and performances by New Center for Arts and Culture, Red Cross-certified swimming instruction, and pilot programs with Project RISE and Big Sister Association, CPR and first-aid training through Boston EMS and more. Campers are encouraged to try new things and are introduced to activities at Camp Harbor View they would not otherwise encounter.
For those Camp Harbor View alumni who have aged out of camp, a Counselor in Training (CIT) program has been created that allows a continued relationship year round as well as the opportunity to reach campers on a more profound level. The CIT program will provide 15 year olds interview and job training, exposure to career and college options, and academic support, in addition to leadership training and a weekly compensation during camp summer sessions.
“We’re really excited about this CIT program. It gives 15 year olds the opportunity to put the leadership they learned as campers into action. The CIT’s will continue to be introduced to opportunities for their future during the summer and also throughout the year,” said Cara Gould, camp director of Camp Harbor View.
When asked how he feels about participating in the CIT program, Rashawn Mikell-Skinner said, “I think it’s a really good program because we’ll get to learn about the children and have lots of new experiences. We’re going to learn how to put together presentations and about careers.”
Capital additions made to support these programs and activities include a 75-by-45 foot swimming pool made possible by the Highland Street Foundation for swimming lessons, a theater for performing arts, a classroom building for academic programming and the restoration of Long Island’s 450 foot pier. The pier, built using recycled material from Boston’s ‘Big Dig’ project, will provide access to boat transportation to Boston and the surrounding harbor islands for field trips, sailing lessons administered by program partner Courageous Sailing, and fishing with Save the Harbor, Save the Bay as well.
“I am extremely proud to be a part of the Jack Connors and Mayor Menino partnership and honored to have the opportunity to expand on their vision for Camp Harbor View through these major improvements and additions,” said John F. Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction Company, Inc. “The new swimming pool and pier we constructed will be more than just a place for kids to learn to swim, sail and fish. It will be a new source of self-esteem and confidence for these young people, and yet another reason for them to dream of a better future.”
Camp Harbor View opened in 2007 as a result of Mayor Menino’s concern for the welfare of Boston’s inner- city children. Mayor Menino reached out to Boston businessman and civic leader Jack Connors, Jr. and together had the idea to create a camp for the most at-risk children of Boston that would expose them to experiences and activities their day to life was not. With the help of John Fish and a powerful Suffolk Construction team, the Camp was built in 109 days. Camp Harbor View is operated and staffed by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston.
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CITY OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
Office of the Mayor
Thomas M. Menino
Contact: Mayors Press Office
617-635-4461
Ashley Butler (CHV Foundation)
617-572-3479
