FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Ocala, FL – More than 170 young people who might not otherwise be able to attend summer camp are attending camps in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties this summer, thanks to funding provided by Kids Central Inc.

Kids Central is the not-for-profit agency selected by the state of Florida to coordinate child protection services in this five-county area. The agency is committed to promoting the welfare of children through abuse/neglect prevention services, in-home care, foster care, and adoption.

Some of the children for whom Kids Central is funding summer camp are clients of the agency. Others were identified by other community care agencies who serve families and children.

Teresa Anderson, Utilization Specialist at Kids Central, said camp engages the young people in positive social activities and gives parents a break too. "When a parent goes from having children in school all day to having them home all day, they sometimes need a breather," she said.

Kids might need a break too, she added, and camp is a safe, fun escape for them. "We have seen kids with real behavioral issues go to camp and the negative behaviors simply disappear," Anderson said. "They love the experience and almost always want to go back the next year."

The young people, ages 6 -17, are attending a variety of camps in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties this summer, including overnight camps lasting from one to nine weeks, day camps, and camps for children with special needs.

"Our goal is to make this an annual thing for children in our area who may not otherwise get to experience summer camp," said Anderson.

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