For nearly a century, the youth of Roanoke County have relished the great outdoors of and the exciting activities it offers. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this stunning 160-acre site connects kids with nature, nurturing skill sets that extend beyond the summer and last for a lifetime.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really a great opportunity for kids to disconnect from technology 鈥 from their devices 鈥 and get outside and experience a full week of summer camp in the elements of the outdoors,鈥 said Alex North, the marketing and administrative coordinator for Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
澳门六合彩平台 week-long programs, Discovery Day for entering second- through fifth-graders and Discovery Plus Day for incoming sixth- and seventh-graders, foster leadership and team building through a series of exercises that promote self-confidence and encourage camaraderie by overcoming challenges. Although broken up into different age groups, both initiatives offer many of the same activities, including archery, a 44-foot climbing tower, various group projects and environmental education, as well as outdoor learning skills and different hiking and field game options.
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Family members of prospective participants can apply online for one of six scholarships to cover the one-week cost of the camp program. Once the online registration window is closed, participants are chosen by an interview panel. Camp staff coordinate and assign the week the new campers will join. 澳门六合彩平台 camp has weekly sessions taking place in June, July and August. 澳门六合彩平台 scholarships are made possible through the generous support of the camp鈥檚 sponsors.
鈥湴拿帕喜势教 Roanoke Valley is a very special place because of the beautiful nature that surrounds us, but also the warm and friendly nature of the people who live here,鈥 said Steve Monaghan, of Invisible Fence, a scholarship sponsor. 鈥淗elping our youth to experience that specialness firsthand will help them carry it with them throughout their lives.鈥
One of the sponsors, Larry Davidson, of Davidson鈥檚 Men鈥檚 Clothing, decided to donate to the cause after learning how much of an impact the camp could make on kids鈥 lives. 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing to learn how many local kids don鈥檛 get the opportunity to go to summer camp,鈥 Davidson said. 鈥淚nvesting in the youth of our community with recreational and education opportunities is the most important thing we can do for our social and economic future.鈥
For three years, Derek Wiley, of Derek Wiley Agency, has supported the scholarship fund, knowing that the gift is life-changing for local families and a cause he鈥檚 excited to get behind. 鈥湴拿帕喜势教╯e scholarships help give opportunities to families who might otherwise not have the financial resources to provide their children with the wonderful experience of attending summer camp,鈥 said Wiley.
While campers have fun exploring nature and making new friends, Camp Roanoke is designed not just to entertain but teach kids invaluable life skills like teamwork, problem solving and self-awareness.
鈥淧roviding wholesome opportunities to our youth will better prepare them to be productive citizens and the community leaders of tomorrow,鈥 a Roanoke Gas spokesperson said.
鈥淭his is our second year providing a scholarship for a young person to attend summer camp with Roanoke County,鈥 said Tyler Bower, of Bower Heating and Air. 鈥淲e feel that being outdoors is great for not just kids physical health, but their mental and emotional well-being as well. We see anything we can do to help the overall health of our community, regardless of age, as a win-win.鈥
To apply for one of the scholarships, please visit . Discovery and Discovery Plus , and both offer free satellite transportation from Tanglewood Mall and early drop-off if needed. Deadline for applications is Monday, May 6 at 5pm.