Walk to support Sunrise Day Camp is this Sunday, June 4
The walk will help fund the JCC’s free summer day camp program for children with cancer and their siblings
The Jewish Community Center of Staten Island is offering a unique, free summer day camp program for children with cancer and their siblings. Sunrise Day Camp, which is operated by Sunrise Association and the JCC, will be located on the grounds of Mount Loretto and operated with Catholic Charities of Staten Island. Sunrise has provided a wonderful camping experience for approximately 3,200 children of all faiths and backgrounds over the last 12 years at all locations, including Long Island, Pearl River, Baltimore and three camps in Israel. These are the only full-summer day camps in the world for children with cancer.
Typically, camps serving this population are offered as week-long programs and/or sleep away options. Sunrise is composed of children and families who do not wish to be away from home and/or cannot be away due to medical treatments or other needs. The flexible and individualized camp schedule allows for children to attend the program when they are able to do so. Most activities and programs are similar to those offered within other traditional camps.
The goal of Sunrise is to provide the campers with a typical, predictable summer in a world filled with uncertainties and situations which no child nor family should ever have to face.
In addition to camp, year-round activities for these families will be offered. These include Sunrise on Wheels, a program in which Sunrise staff visit children in the hospital, literally with a camp “trunk” chock full of books, toys and other activities. Additionally, there are camp reunions and other family gatherings throughout the school year.
Help make a difference in the life of a child suffering from cancer. The WALK is co-chaired by Gail Castellano (Richmond County Savings Bank), Jon Salmon (Salmon Real Estate) and Brian Lincer (Internicola Law Firm). The walk will raise money to help families while inspiring the community to unite for a cause in hopes of giving children with cancer a summer free from the everyday demands of their illness.
The walk will be held this Sunday, June 4. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. at Catholic Charities of SI, Mt. Loretto Campus, 6581 Hylan Blvd. For walk information, contact Sydney Avis, special events coordinator, at (718) 475–5213.
For more information about Sunrise Day Camp, or to make a donation, contact Kevin Brosnick at (718) 475–5256 or at kbrosnick@sijcc.com.
