Growing up, I’ve lived down the street from this summer camp. I’ve alway ridden by on my Huffy White Heat mountain bike, but could never see over the tall, green hedges. I was also too young to even know much about this camp.
The Friends of Sunset Point Camp is a volunteer group formed to promote greater awareness and support of Sunset Point Camp in Hull, Massachusetts. This summer camp program, run by Catholic Charities, serves at-risk, low income children from the Greater Boston area, without regard for their race, nationality, or religious affiliation. It allows a lot of children to see the seaside rather than the hot cement streets in the summer. The programs at Sunset Point Camp are designed around building life skills, including teamwork, leadership, self-discipline, self-esteem, sportsmanship, and good health. Each summer, children enjoy swimming, games, crafts, food, fun, and friendship in a safe and comfortable environment. To date, more than 40,000 children have attended the camp.
This camp has been been open for 90 years, but last year was the first summer where it was closed due to lack of funds. With the help of our local community, hard work, caring people and many donations – Sunset Point Camp was able to open back up this summer. In addition to teaming up with the community and contributing funds to help this camp open up — we donated a few hundred Johnny Cupcakes backpacks and a few hundred Johnny Cupcakes beach towels. It feels good to give. But the most rewarding part of it all, is giving our time.
Everyone gathered around as I performed a 30 minute magic show for this session of campers. Performing magic tricks at birthday parties was actually one of my first entrepreneurial ventures back when I was 13 years old. It felt awesome to see everyones faces light up with curiosity, wonder and excitement. “Do it again! Do it again!” “Can you pull a rabbit out of my ear?!” “Whoaaaaaa!!”
My sister and my mom set up a decorate your own cupcakes table, where everyone at the camp showed off their artistic skills. My mom has also been at Sunset Point Camp most of the spring and summer, bringing back a beautiful garden, so that the children are able to learn about gardening & planting. On top of that, it adds a bit more life to the campgrounds.
Hanging out with this camp and it’s kids, filled us up to the brim with life and laughter. We definitely plan on spending a lot more time giving back than we already do. Doing hands projects like this, instantly makes you realize that there’s a lot more in life, and that there are a lot more important things to do with your time. Last week I did not want to leave this camp. I felt like it could be my new life. Props to all the camp counselors, the camp nurse, and everyone involved inside and out! I can’t wait to get back and hang/help out!
Click here to learn more about Sunset Point Camp, everything behind it, and how you can help.
We don’t usually talk about it as much as we should, but in the past we’ve helped out hundreds of charities. From Breast Cancer to Haiti & Katrina donations, from Habitat For Humanity to local youth sports programs, from Alzheimer’s & Muscular Dystrophy research to Aids Awareness. If you have a good cause and would like to reach out to us, you can send us a letter to our headquarters in Weymouth, Massachusetts. If we’re able to, we’d love to help out! And if you can in life, give back. Donate a little bit of your time towards a charity and some community service. There’s not a more positive, rewarding feeling like it.
Tuesday Tips: Giving Back
