Miami-Dade Financial Assistance program...

MIAMI-DADE PARKS AND THE PARKS FOUNDATION PARTNER TO CREATE financial assistance program TO HELP residents struggling with economic challenges

Qualifying Families are Eligible for Help to Pay for Summer Camp for Their Kids

(MIAMI) - In an effort to help Miami-Dade County residents struggling with the nation's economic downturn, Miami-Dade County's Department of Parks & Recreation has partnered with the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade to establish a financial assistance program to help families pay for summer camp programs for their kids. 

Families may apply to benefit from one of the following: a fee reduction, a full scholarship or reimbursement through volunteer service.  Qualification is based on criteria including household-size and income level.  Families are encouraged to contact park managers at the park of their interest for more information concerning the process and to learn if they qualify.  The cost to attend Miami-Dade Parks' Summer Camps ranges from $40-$90. 

"We have always striven to provide a unique summer camp experience, one that is of the highest quality, competitive with the best programs in town, and yet an affordable option for families," said Parks Director Jack Kardys.  "In today's economic climate, it is important that Miami-Dade Parks is there for those that need us most."

The Parks Foundation is challenging businesses and residents to get involved to help meet the community-wide need.  It will match up to $25,000 worth of donations received to augment the scholarship fund.  For information on how to make a donation, businesses or residents should call Donna Peyton at 305.755.7804. 

Miami-Dade Parks' 2009 Summer Camps, themed "Fit to Play, Green It Up," will run June 8-August 14, weekdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with 7:30 a.m. early drop-off and 6 p.m. late pick-up at parks throughout the County.  Rolling registration for camp began May 1, 2009, and a series of "Sign-up Family Fun Days" are being held at select Miami-Dade parks leading up to opening day for the Miami-Dade Parks summer-camp season.  Financial assistance is available on a first-come, first-serve basis to qualifying families, so early registration is encouraged. 

For more financial assistance information, residents should contact the park manager at the parks hosting their camps of interest.  For a full listing of the different types of camps offered, locations and phone numbers visit the Miami-Dade Parks website at http://www.miamidade.gov/parks or 311.

Continuing its traditional focus on teaching children how to be fit and healthy, the 10-week summer camp program will feature daily exercise-and-nutrition education components.  This year, Miami-Dade Parks has added an environment-friendly "live green" component where children will also learn how a healthy planet is essential for a healthy child.  Children will learn the basics of recycling, water conservation and other eco-friendly behaviors that are beneficial for the life of this planet.  General and Specialized camps comprise the summer program.  In General Camps, children enjoy activities such as football, basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming, fencing, arts & crafts, board games and exciting field trips.  Specialized Camps include a wide array of Sports Camps, Camps for Children with Disabilities, Cultural Arts Camps, EcoAdventures Nature Camps, Miami MetroZoo's Bank of America Zoofari Camp, and Deering Estate at Cutler Camps.  

Miami-Dade Parks creates outstanding recreational, natural and cultural experiences to enrich and enhance our community for this and future generations.

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