A SUMMER FOR SUCCESS
by Michael Osborne
SCOTT-FREE KIDS BENEFIT FROM CAMP EXPERIENCES
With the help of a local nonprofit, 46 deserving children attended camp this summer. Whether it was baking a cake, shooting jump shots, or performing Broadway show tunes, it wouldn’t have happened without The Scott-Free Scholarship Foundation. In just their second year, Scott-Free provided local at-risk children with spots at 22 different camps.
All together, Scott-Free sent kids to over 600 days of summer camp this year. The need-based Scott-Free scholarship pairs children with camps that fit their individual interests and abilities. This summer Scott-Free partnered with camps that specialized in activities like basketball, music, cooking, science, theatre and college preparation. Without the support of Scott-Free, most would have missed out on these opportunities for learning, camaraderie and growth.
The philosophy of Scott-Free is simple. Give a child a chance to explore their own talents and they will begin to realize their full potential. It starts with a week at camp, but it doesn’t end there. If the child puts forth effort to actively participate in their progress, they can be considered for camp the next summer as well. Scott-Free had six returning campers from last year, their first summer.
Anyone can apply for a camp spot at www.Scott-Free.org. Scott-Free learned about Chazy, a 7th grader from Smithfield, from his middle school track coach. In her first year coaching the track team, Amy Joe Reese was amazed with Chazy’s skill and potential. “I think he’s phenomenal… In 7th grade, he’s right up there with the best high school times,” said Reese.
With the help of Scott-Free, Chazy was able to attend the NCSU Track camp at no cost this summer. Scott-Free also secured a promise from an athletic store in Raleigh to provide running shoes for the camper. Amy Joe drove Chazy to pick out some shoes. “It was amazing,” said Reese. “We didn’t know what to expect… I knew they were willing to give a pair of shoes, but they said ‘whatever you need just let us know’. Chazy was quiet, a bit nervous, but picked out a pair of shoes, running shirts, shorts and socks. When he got into the car he had the biggest smile on his face. It was really awesome.”
Khala, a rising high school sophomore, was able to attend two camps this summer through Scott-Free. Because of her interest in science and math, Khala attended the Summer Scholars day camp at NCSU. In the mornings she took college preparation classes in math, English, and chemistry. In the afternoons the kids went on campus tours of local universities. Khala hopes to go to UNC or Duke for pre-med
and one day become a physician.
Khala’s second summer camp movedher focus from textbooks to cookbooks. At Classy Kids Cook in Cary, Khala joined about 30 fellow campers in introductory cooking classes. The theme of the week was French cuisine. Khala’s favorites were the French crepes and soufflé. At the end of the week, the campers were divided into teams for an Iron Chef, kid’s style, cook-off.
Scott-Free relies on camp partnerships and private donations to provide these opportunities. The second annual Scott- Free Event will be held on September 26th at the Woodbine Equestrian Center in Raleigh. Proceeds will allow the opportunity for even more kids to explore their full potential in 2010.
Learn more at www.Scott-Free.org. www.midtownmag.com - 119