Camp supply donations will be collected May 5
Most Footpath campers have never tried kayaking or canoeing until going to summer camp.
You can help Cleveland and Lorain County kids have a great outdoor experience this summer by donating camping supplies or helping volunteers assemble camp kits at an event hosted by Footpath Foundation on Sunday, May 5, at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village.
Donations of camping supplies will be accepted from 2-3 p.m. at the center. Volunteers will be assembling camp kits from 2-4 p.m. All are invited to stick around for a family hike at 4 p.m.
Footpath is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids discover their fullest potential through meaningful outdoor experiences. For the past three summers, Footpath has made it possible for hundreds of inner-city youth to attend overnight camps; for many, it was their first such experience.
The goal this year is to send 140 Boys & Girls Club members to camp – 90 from Cleveland and 50 from Lorain County.
“We want to make sure all the kids we send to overnight summer camp have everything they need to have a safe and fulfilling experience,” said Footpath President/CEO and Westlake resident Mary Macias. “We need your help to ensure that every child is well prepared, since many cannot afford camping gear.”
New items needed are beach towels, bath towels, flashlights, sleeping bags, ponchos, toothbrushes with cases, toothpaste, pillows, twin sheet sets, duffel bags, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, body wash and reusable sports water bottles. Footpath suggests you shop at your favorite local retailer or check out the organization’s Amazon Wish List at a.co/8e4ti5F.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help assemble the camp kits on May 5.
Ken Wood
I am an experienced journalist and former Suburban Journalist of the Year for the U.S. and Canada who has transitioned to nonprofit communications. I am currently the communications director for Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland.