During the 2008 summer, the Manitou Camps Foundation, with help from Camp Manitou’s Leadership Program, raised money for Manitou Experience), a one-week camp for boys who have suffered the loss of a parent. The Foundation, which worked worked with Manitou’s Leadership Program participants, created and participated in a swim-a-thon that has now raised more than $20,000.00 for the camp. The effort was tremendous not only in how much money they were able to raise but even more so in how they were able to get so many campers to participate. By the end of the first session of camp, 100% of Manitou campers swam at least 1 lap for the swim-a-thon. The Leadership Program inspired many staff to participate as well.
Early indications are that another Foundation fundraiser will be swam this summer.
The Boston Public School system has been running a program called the “10 Boys Initiative.” The program is designed to provide the boys with additional support to support their academic, social, and emotional growth into successful young men of color.
These children attend Boston Public Schools and at the end of the school year deserve a reward for their hard work.
At Summer Dreams, these young boys will engage in leadership, teamwork, motivational, and learning activities. Along with playing baseball, soccer, theater and arts, basketball, water activities and more, the kids will get to experience the most fun- filled week of their life. We hope that the children leave with a sense of accomplishment and success for gaining many new skills.
The program runs for one week at the end of August and beginning of September, starting in 2009.
Manitou’s devoted Alumni network hosted an event at a Boston comedy club last fall to raise awareness and funds for the Manitou Camps Foundation. Manitou’s alumni community strongly believe in giving back to the greater community an opportunity they were fortunate enough to have as a child. Led by Alumni Coordinator Bob “Waldo” Waldstein, Manitou Nation looks to expand its sphere of influence by aiding programs like Manitou Experience and the Summer Dreams Program.