Summer camp is a tradition sage for many kids across America. In one unique camping program in North Florida, campers came away with far more than memories of camp songs, swim races, and arts and crafts. The Vestcor camps also focused on character, etiquette and life skills.
The Vestcor Companies partnered with River Region, Community Connections, and Families First to provide on-site summer camp for their residents.
The six-week program was held at several Vestcor communities including Camri Green, Thomas Chase, Kendall Court, Ryan Oaks, Courtney Manor, Lindsey Terrace, Leigh Meadows and Gregory Cove. The summer program has been offered to Vestcor residents since 2001 with each year being more successful than the year before.
“The kids who participate in our camps come away enriched with skills that hopefully will last a lifetime and improve the quality of their lives,” said Esmin Master, Social Services Director for The Vestcor Companies. “We teach them everything from how to manage money to etiquette to good decision making. Most of the parents who send their children might not be able to afford to provide a summer camp experience otherwise,” said Master, “Many are single parents.”
Vestcor also hosted its 12th annual charity run downtown Jacksonville, posting its largest number of racers to date.
Over 900 signed up and, as a result, more than $30,000 will be distributed to organizations and charities including American Diabetes Association, Community Connections, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Down Syndrome Association of Jax, North Florida School, Volunteer Jacksonville, Inc.-Reading Program and Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital.