CAMP FULLER & JONNYCAKE CENTER TEAM UP TO PROVIDE A MEMORABLE SUMMER FOR LOCAL CHILDREN
Four-week enrichment program provides life-changing camp experience by the sea
[SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI – Tuesday, July 21, 2020] – The South County YMCA and Camp Fuller YMCA’s have teamed up with the Jonnycake Center of Peacedale, Rhode Island to create a four-week summer enrichment camp experience for South County children.
Explore Camp Fuller is a month-long, summer enrichment program designed exclusively for families connected to the Jonnycake Center of Peacedale. Throughout the program, children took part in outdoor exploration and enjoyed a fun-filled summer vacation in a safe and supportive environment.
Twenty-six children soaked up a variety of outdoor activities on the beautiful, seaside grounds of historic Camp Fuller located in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Led by certified YMCA Camp Counselors, campers enjoyed daily nature walks, kayaking, canoeing, arts and crafts, sports, and fun games. A pre-packed lunch was also generously provided by the Jonnycake Center.
“We are so grateful to the YMCA for opening up Camp Fuller to local children who needed fresh air and fun activities this summer,” said Kate Brewster, Executive Director of the Jonnycake Center. “This was a great example of a community coming together to provide meaningful opportunities for kids who might otherwise not have had access to camp this year,” said Brewster.
“Every day we picked up our daughters, Sanai and Skylah, they had a smile on their face, said Maghnee Gomes, a South Kingstown resident. “This will be an experience they will never forget.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, out-of-school-time plans for many families have been altered. This has resulted in many parents thinking outside the box when it comes to providing a memorable and safe summer vacation for their children.
“The Camp Fuller team has been thrilled to participate in this incredible day camp program, said Kate Messier, Camp Fuller’s Executive Director. “While we’re conditioned to be resident camp, sharing our site, our history, and our traditions with local children who haven’t had the chance to attend Fuller has been nothing short of inspiring for the entire team.” Said Messier. “We look forward to partnering with our South County Y and the Johnnycake Center to make more magic possible in our community.”
“My three children really enjoyed Camp Fuller, especially my son Ben who was able to swim, canoe, and dig for clams for the first time in over two years due to significant medical treatments,” said Beth Delon, a Narragansett mother of four. “It was a great way to start the summer, especially during this challenging time.”
Explore Camp Fuller began Monday, June 29 and will conclude Thursday, July 23 with a fun-filled day of closing ceremony activities like kayaking, canoeing, luncheon, and a tour of Camp Fuller conducted by the young explorers.