The Salvation Army is accepting donations for its Glen Rose
Salvation Army Summer Camp and hopes to send 10 local children for
the week-long retreat in the Santa Cruz mountains.
The Salvation Army is accepting donations for its Glen Rose Salvation Army Summer Camp and hopes to send 10 local children for the week-long retreat in the Santa Cruz mountains.
Children ages 7 to 12 from low income families in Gilroy, San Martin and Morgan Hill will be able to experience what for many is an integral part of growing up. They’ll going hiking, swimming, sing songs around the campfire, play sports and learn crafts, according to Carlos Gonzzatti, a major at the Gilroy location of Salvation Army.
“There’s a lot of things the children can learn at the camp,” said Gonzzatti.
Campers will be required to make their own beds, follow rules regarding bedtimes and mealtimes. In the past, there have been talks by police officers and firemen regarding safety. There will also be bible readings.
“I believe it provides a sense of self-worth for the children,” Gonzzatti said, adding that campers learn they can take care of themselves.
The camp is organized by the Golden State Division of the Salvation every year, and is attended by about 150 children from low-income families.
The cost of attending per child is $170 per week and $26 per day. Meals are included. There will be about one adult to every 8 to 10 kids.
“(Many) children get to go on vacation with their parents,” Gonzzatti said. “But children from low income families don’t have the opportunity to go anywhere.”
Donations in the form of check, money order, cash and credit card are accepted. Make checks payable to The Salvation Army, Golden State Division. Contributions can be mailed to 200 W. 5th St., P.O. Box 1059, Gilroy, CA 95021.
The Salvation Army is a 501(c)3 non-profit Christian organization that provides social service programs. All donations are tax deductible.
Children who would like to attend need to fill out an application form, obtain parental consent and satisfy some medical requirements.
For more information, call (408) 848-8205, or visit The Salvation Army office at 200 W. 5th Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
