YMCA Offers Free Summer Camp for Sandy Victims

The Community YMCA is offering up to two weeks free summer camp at its Monmouth county locations for those affected by Hurricane Sandy, the organization has announced.

The Red Bank-based organization is offering scholarships for up to two weeks of free summer camp at Camp Arrowhead in Marlboro or Camp Zehnder in Wall. Camp programs in Red Bank, Matawan and Middletown also are participating, according to a YMCA release.

Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, the release says.

“We’re committed to nurturing the development of kids,” Rhonda Anderson, Community YMCA president and CEO, said in the release.  “Hurricane Sandy was devastating for many families, and we are thrilled that we can offer this opportunity with the help of the Robin Hood Foundation.”  

To qualify, the child or family must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• The family experienced/is experiencing displacement from their home as a result of Hurricane Sandy. (Must show FEMA documentation, evidence of rental assistance, insurance documents, etc.)
• One or both parents experienced/is experiencing job loss of one month or more as a direct result of Hurricane Sandy. (Must show unemployment documentation, letter from employer, etc.)
• The child experienced/is experiencing displacement from their regular school as a result of Hurricane Sandy.  (School documentation needed.)
• The family experienced/is experiencing significant damage (50% or greater) to their place of residence as a direct result of Hurricane Sandy resulting in financial hardship. (Must show insurance documentation, % loss statement, etc.)

For more information about Y camps click here, call 732.946.4598 or e-mail the Y at summerfun@cymca.org. To apply for a camp scholarship, download a YCares application.

The scholarships are available because of support from the Robin Hood Foundation, a New York City charitible organization aimed at alleviating problems caused by poverty, the release says.