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Hundreds of Homeless, Low Income Baltimore Children Go to Summer Camp for Free

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- This summer, hundreds of homeless and low income Baltimore children are going to summer camp for free.

For many children, summertime means summer camp. But for many Baltimore families, these programs are just too expensive.

But thanks to Camp St. Vincent, more than 200 campers will have a place they can go -- for free -- to have fun and prepare for the next school year free of charge.

"It teaches kids how to cooperate in teams and sometimes we do math and reading and it helps the kids prepare for the next school year," said Anaya, a young camper.

Victoria Fuller has been a volunteer at the camp for four years.

"You really make an impact on their lives after you leave as well as while they are here," she said. "I keep coming back because I really love the experience I get, I learn more about myself, about the children and what they are going through, and I just really like it... I love doing what I do."

Many of the campers, who range in age from 5 to 14, are homeless or come from low-income households.

Rebecca Horner is the camp's director.

"The children attend for free, but we do rely on sponsorships and donors to support the camp so that they can have a free experience in the summer," she said.

Camp counselors say the camp helps children dealing with poverty and homelessness, develop positive and trusting relationships.

"A lot of them come in really shy and it's cool to see them open up and develop close relationships with each one of them as individuals," according to Annie Burns, a camp counselor.

It's the camp's 109th summer season at Patterson Park.

"I would probably be sitting at home in front of my TV, watching TV and eating snacks if it wasn't for this camp," Anaya said.

The camp is looking for donations, like swimsuits, art supplies and snacks.

To see their wishlist, CLICK HERE.

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