Giving Back

through their schools. Typically, P2P Camperships serve approximately 15% of the total number of children who qualify for free or reduced meal programs, a primary criterion for consideration. P2P collaborates with Stamford Public Schools and receives referrals through school social workers. We also allow families to self-refer into the program if they meet the criteria for admittance.

Q: What are the benefits to the children. There are so many! They include academic enrichment, enhancing critical skills, creative expression, team-building, active thinking and socializing over the summer months as well as adult and teen (counselor) role models. The children also learn water safety at camp, form lifelong friendships and are exposed to activities such as archery, gymnastics and swimming that they might not otherwise experience. It gives campers an opportunity to broaden their view of the world and return to school in the fall having gained in knowledge and social skills rather than having lost a summer to loneliness and apathy.

Q: Is the P2P Campership Program a standalone camp? No, we partner with existing camps. Participating camps in- clude: Boys and Girls Club of Stamford, Darien YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich Camp Simmons, Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich Clubhouse, Long Ridge Camp, Roscco at Hart Summer Program, YMCA of Stamford Camp W.O.W. and City of Stamford Recreation Services summer day camps. Families select the camps that meet their needs in terms of location, transportation, meals and activities. Social workers work with parents to place children in the camp best for them. We strive to keep siblings together and match children to the same camp each year in support of the lifelong friendships they make by returning.

Q: How may children do you support each year? Our goal is to support 350 campers per summer.

Q: How much does it cost to run the Campership Program?

On average, it costs $640 to send a child to camp for the summer.

Q: How is the Campership Program funded?

P2P conducts an annual appeal and Darien residents give generously to give these kids the joy of summer camp. OPUS, an organization dedicated to supporting Person to Person through a range of initiatives, runs an annual Blooms For

Boat Day provides a safe day on the water for P2P Campership Program participants from Roscco

Campers fundraiser in Darien each spring as well. Some years we receive grants.

Q: How does the Campership Program fit in with the overall P2P mission?

P2P’s mission is to provide individuals and families with essential resources to help them overcome daily challeng- es and put them on a path toward economic stability. Many families in our community are unable to afford camp or an enriching summer experience for their children. They are working to cover essential living expenses such as food, rent, utilities and transportation. Camperships also provide necessary support for our clients who are participating in our new Financial Opportunity Center®, a career and financial coaching service center that helps families living on low to moderate incomes build sustaining careers and achieve financial success. There are so many more people who need help and P2P is proud to be the conduit for so much care and support between communities.

To learn more about P2P, the Campership program and how you might help, visit p2phelps.org or contact Lauren Franciamore at 203-621-0686 or laurenfranciamore@p2pHelps.org

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