Milwaukee City Wire

"Camps for Kids provides kids, not only with a breath of fresh air but an opportunity to know that there is a different real world out there besides the one in which they live,” said Esther Leah Ritz, a regular donor to the program.

"Even when they go back (home), if they've had the right opportunity in camp, they bring part of that experience back with them – looking for something beyond the street," she added.

Twelve-year old Mike Schellinger, a participant in the program, shared his experience, saying, "It (camp) was one of my favorite things in life. Everyone should have a chance to go to camp and have a little bit of fun. The world would be a better place."

"It really boosted his self-esteem,” said Laurie Schellinger, Mike's mother. “He seemed to mature more in those two weeks, and was more settled down after he came back from camp."

Since its inception 30 years ago, Camps for Kids has been sending Milwaukee kids to summer camps, providing life-changing experiences for children in Milwaukee County. The program, founded in 1994, aims to give first-time resident camp experiences to kids aged 8 to 15 from families with limited financial resources.

More than 25 local agencies, including Milwaukee Recreation, refer kids to the program, which offers full weeklong "camperships" to MPS students. Over the years, the program has expanded to include multiple camps in Wisconsin, such as Camp Minikani, Camp Helen Brachman, Holiday Home Camp, Camp Manito-wish YMCA, and Camp Whitcomb/Mason.

Despite facing fundraising challenges, Camps for Kids has managed to send over 5,500 Milwaukee County kids to summer camp. Milwaukee Recreation alone has referred 40-50 MPS students per year to the program, with a plan to refer over 100 students this year.

In addition to Camps for Kids, the MPS Overnight Camp Program provides opportunities for another 250 MPS students in grades 4-8 to go to camp. However, the future of this program is uncertain as it is currently funded by the ESSER fund, which is set to expire after this year.

To continue supporting the Camps for Kids program, donations can be made at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation website. Interested families can also apply for full scholarships by the April 19 deadline on the program's website.

Despite the challenges over the past three decades, Camps for Kids continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Milwaukee children, offering them unforgettable experiences and valuable life lessons through the summer camp program.