Long Island Businesses Give The Gift of Summer Camp

EAST ROCKAWAY, NY, May 15, 2011

For the second year, businesses across Long Island have partnered with Rolling River Day Camp in East Rockaway to donate 8 tuition-free camp scholarships to deserving children selected from Peninsula Counseling Center in Valley Stream. Rolling River Day Camp announced their initial 2011 business sponsors this week and the staff is excited to welcome new campers this summer.

The Campmates Program , which launched in 2010, has fostered a unique partnership that benefits the Long Island community by not only providing valuable summer experiences to children in financial need but also encouraging LI residents to shop locally and support participating neighborhood merchants. "The best way we can thank businesses for their kindness is to expose them to our customers," says Marissa Goodman, Campmates Program Supervisor. "Campmates sponsors receive exclusive access to families and staff through sponsorship of camp events, promotions and other networking opportunities, which helps grow the local economy."

Recipients of these scholarships, who range from ages 3-12, are overjoyed at the opportunity to attend a traditional summer camp at no cost. "It was a blessing that this came through for my son," says a scholarship parent. "Through the generosity of the community, I'm able to bring him here and let him have this wonderful experience. It's a gift considering how tough it's been the last few months."

2011 participating businesses to date include While They're Little, officediscountclub.com, Fun Bus, NEFCU, 24 Hour Bagel of Oceanside, Alladin Auto Body, Green Art Plumbing Supply, and Moe's Southwest Grill. Through business funds, personal donations, and year-round fundraisers, The Campmates Program has raised over $25,000 in camp tuitions for children from Peninsula Counseling Center in its first year and is continuing to accept sponsors for the 2011 camp season.

Since 1993, Rolling River Day Camp has provided children ages 3-15 with highly supervised camp experiences that result in the development of real life skills, real friendships, and real fun. Owned and operated by a local family, Rolling River offers various sports and arts activities, including Red Cross swim instruction and riverside boating. Rolling River continually accepts sponsors who are looking to make a difference in the life of a local child. To learn more how your business can become a sponsor, visit http://www.rollingriver.com/scholarships.asp or call Marissa at 516-593-CAMP(2267).