I started Camp TLC (Together Living a Challenge) because throughout my tenure as Executive Director of Camp AmeriKids (a camp for children living with and affected by with AIDS), I was always saddened when kids had to back out of camp because they were in the hospital, or were being placed in foster care. And decided that it would be such a cool thing to be able to bring camp to them so they didn’t have to miss out because I knew firsthand the disappointment they felt when being told they couldn’t make it. The number of children living in unforeseen circumstances in this country is staggering and are usually statistics unknown by the mass majority of people living in the United States. And although these statistics seem almost unbelievable in today’s world, they are representative of the health and poverty crisis that children in this nation are facing. Current National Statistics show that: There are 188 group homes that take care of 75,890 orphaned children in the United States. (... moreI started Camp TLC (Together Living a Challenge) because throughout my tenure as Executive Director of Camp AmeriKids (a camp for children living with and affected by with AIDS), I was always saddened when kids had to back out of camp because they were in the hospital, or were being placed in foster care. And decided that it would be such a cool thing to be able to bring camp to them so they didn’t have to miss out because I knew firsthand the disappointment they felt when being told they couldn’t make it. The number of children living in unforeseen circumstances in this country is staggering and are usually statistics unknown by the mass majority of people living in the United States. And although these statistics seem almost unbelievable in today’s world, they are representative of the health and poverty crisis that children in this nation are facing. Current National Statistics show that: There are 188 group homes that take care of 75,890 orphaned children in the United States. (http://www.chacha.com/question/how-many-orphans-are-in-the-united-states). One out of 50—or about 1.5 million—American children are homeless each year, according to a 2009 study by the National Center on Family Homelessness. An average of 20,000 of these children lives in a domestic violence shelter on a daily basis. According to the American Hospital Association Guide there are over 250 children\\\'s hospitals (and related institutions) and today, one out of every five children in the U.S. has a special healthcare need- a number that continues to grow. (St. Mary’s Hospital, Queens, NY) (http://www.childrenshospitals.net/AM/Template.cfm? Section=ie7template=/cm/contentdisplay.cfm&contentid=12693) And with these statistics, I decided Camp TLC had to happen.

Camp TLC is a unique program that put simply, is one of the most beautiful and FUN things I have seen in a long time. The energy, the spirit, and most importantly, the love we share together is overwhelming and life altering. And in the words of our friends at The Children’s Inn at the National Institute of Health, the following was stated in their program evaluation. “Camp TLC brings with them an infectious air of unity, understanding, and cheerfulness. They truly inspired The Children’s Inn community with their music and dancing. Children and adults alike took part in performances of their own, creating a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that not only lifted spirits but also increased self-esteem. On the first day of Camp TLC, children were able to meet all of the wonderful staff members and view for the first time the well-choreographed dance that they would soon learn how to perform. During this camp session we saw a lot of personalities shine through. One Inn residen... moreCamp TLC is a unique program that put simply, is one of the most beautiful and FUN things I have seen in a long time. The energy, the spirit, and most importantly, the love we share together is overwhelming and life altering. And in the words of our friends at The Children’s Inn at the National Institute of Health, the following was stated in their program evaluation. “Camp TLC brings with them an infectious air of unity, understanding, and cheerfulness. They truly inspired The Children’s Inn community with their music and dancing. Children and adults alike took part in performances of their own, creating a sense of camaraderie and mutual support that not only lifted spirits but also increased self-esteem. On the first day of Camp TLC, children were able to meet all of the wonderful staff members and view for the first time the well-choreographed dance that they would soon learn how to perform. During this camp session we saw a lot of personalities shine through. One Inn resident unexpectedly started to lead dances and encouraged other campers to participate as well. For those campers who preferred not to dance, they had the opportunity to join a different group and practice singing. During these afternoon camp sessions, the Camp TLC staff ensured that all the campers enjoyed themselves by catering to their individual interests. For example, some children played basketball outside while others completed arts and crafts projects. Thanks to the enthusiasm and kindness of the Camp TLC staff, the campers felt supported and special no matter what the activity. This enthusiasm carried over into our family dinners, where the staff entertained the residents with their dances and songs. One of our residents surprised us by taking out his guitar and performing Johnny Cash songs. Another resident sang Taylor Swift songs for us with the confidence of Taylor Swift herself. As if the afternoon camp sessions weren’t enough, camp TLC provided Inn residents with entertainment during the evenings. Children were able to “pie” their parents in the face on the first night and were treated to a special edition of BINGO at The Inn the following evening which included new “Camp TLC” rules such as looking under your seat to see if you had won a special prize. However, perhaps the highlight of the week was the talent show that Camp TLC organized. Each member of the audience was encouraged to participate and to the surprise and delight of everyone attending, performances were given by even the shyest of residents. From dances, poetry to karaoke songs, the talents and bravery that were displayed by residents at The Children’s Inn were heartwarming to all who were watching. Each one of the Camp TLC staff served as a mentor during the week they were at The Inn. They all displayed the many characteristics that we hope to instill, nourish and encourage in the children who visit The Inn each year. Many of The Inn’s families return frequently or have been staying at The Inn for a considerable amount of time. However, many Inn families remarked that this week in particular was the most memorable and of course - “the most fun.”