"An end to violence. The opportunity to be a kid." This is the message of the Keep Kids Safe Summer Camp. Our goal is to help kids who have seen violence up close – too close – experience the joy of summer camp, and find friendship and fun in a safe environment. While engaging in the normal activities of summer camp - swimming, arts & crafts, hiking and sports - these children also learn to deal with the violence that surrounds them, in their city neighborhoods.
Who We Are: The Keep Kids Safe Summer Camp is managed/supported by the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition (GPUAC), the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network, Nu Sigma Youth Services, Inc., Fellowship Farm, State Rep. Dwight Evans, the Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, The Patricia Kind Family Foundation, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fund at the Philadelphia Foundation, the Danellie Foundation and The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News. It was initiated by the Philadelphia Branch NAACP in 2004, following the shooting death of Faheem Thomas-Childs at T.M. Peirce Elementary School. Founding partners were the Philadelphia NAACP, GPUAC and Philadelphia Citizens for Children & Youth.
Background: Over the past three years, nearly 350 children, ages 9 to 13, have attended the Keep Kids Safe Summer Camp. Not only had they experienced violence in their everyday lives, but they came from some of the city's poorest neighborhoods. Many had never attended an overnight camp before. For some, this was their first opportunity to leave the City of Philadelphia.
Summer Camp 2006: Two separate camp sessions were held the weeks of July 30 and August 20. Camper recruitment was conducted by the Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network and Nu Sigma Youth Services, Inc. These two agencies manage the project, working closely with Fellowship Farm and GPUAC. Campers who reside in the City of Philadelphia, in areas of high violence, were prioritized for recruitment purposes.
For more information, contact Brandon Brown, Coordinator, 215-851-1848.
