Camps For Kids works to ensure that no Kansas City area child will be turned away from summer camp because of low income or physical or developmental disability. The organization was founded by Marjorie Powell Allen in 1981 after the Federal government discontinued a program providing summer camp to children with disabilities or financial need at no cost to their families. It is still true today that it is difficult for many families with children who have physical/developmental issues or who are low-income to afford the cost of camp. Camps For Kids believes that camp offers opportunities for children to enjoy a sense of independence, meet and make new friends, and experience fellowship and a feeling of community through the unique and potentially life-changing experience of summer camp. Camps in the network have a specific focus including blood disorders, autism spectrum disorders, spina bifida, cancer, foster care children, bereavement therapy, vision impairments, developmental challenges, and congenital heart disease. Several camps provide access to the environment, and the arts and sciences to underprivileged children and youth. Many camps have small staffs and utilize volunteers to conduct their activities. Their focus is on providing an outstanding camping experience for the children. Few have dedicated personnel with enough time to raise the needed funds to support the camp’s programs. The support of Camps For Kids is critical to their continued operation and success. “Without the support of Camps for Kids and the matching fund, CHD Families would be unable to provide a free medically supervised summer camp for kids with Congenital Heart Defects.” -director, Camp Systole.
