Letter: Help for Day Camp

Editor: Now that summer is coming to a close and we¹ve had so
many successes in Healdsburg raising money for various
organizations (Relay For Life, Boys and Girls Club, etc.) I believe
it¹s time to think about funding for our Fitch Mountain School Day
Camp. More than 20 years ago Susan Huffman (Director) and Vince
Mazzoli (On-Site Director) began a truly innovative and valuable
program for the schools, children, and parents of Healdsburg. They
began Fitch Mountain School Day Camp.
This is not ordinary child care by a long shot. Day Camp is like
a family, learning to work and play together. Homework time is done
with credentialed teachers. Problem solving and conflict resolution
skills are part of everyday life at Day Camp. The major difference
between Day Camp and other after school programs is supervision and
guidance. That kind of security is worth any price to me as a
parent.
My child has attended Day Camp since kindergarten. I can¹t
imagine what will happen when she¹s too old to attend.
As a teacher, I respect Day Camp for their ongoing willingness
to work with staff, parents, and students who need a safe place to
be after school. They bend over backwards to assure every child a
loving and positive experience.
Did you attend the Day Camp Carnival fund-raiser? It was loads
of fun. While they raised money for the program, it seems that
expenses are going up. Despite all their generous services to the
school district over many years, they are being asked to pay rent
to the district for their on-site location. This is on top of the
expenses they have employing quality counselors and providing
nutritious snacks for children. At first glance you may think that
they should pay rent. But go visit them. See how they generously
serve the children of the community and their families. Ask them
about the parents who don¹t pay their bills. Meet the counselors.
Then decide what you think is fair.
Is there an organization out there wanting to take on this
project? Perhaps a business? Who will step forward besides me?
Judith Sanderson, Healdsburg