Norfolk Children’s Foundation Offers Camperships to Camp Jewell
By Julie Scharnberg

Imagine being able to spend a week or two this summer horseback riding, swimming, trying out archery or pottery, mountain boarding, rock climbing, kayaking, learning how to use high ropes or how to play the guitar, hiking, fishing, playing soccer and lots more. The Norfolk Connecticut Children’s Foundation (NCCF) is offering free summer camperships to YMCA’s Camp Jewell in Colebrook to Norfolk children.
NCCF understands that the cost of summer camp is not the only issue for busy families. Transportation can also present an insurmountable obstacle.  This year, in addition to the camperships, NCCF and Camp Jewell will arrange for free transportation to the camp, giving preference to the weeks of June 24 – June 28, July 1 – July 5, and August 12 – August 16.
Norfolk families may pick up an application form and a Camp Jewell brochure at the Norfolk Library, National Iron Bank and Norfolk Town Hall.  Forms and brochures will also be sent home from Botelle School, and are also available on-line at Camp Jewell’s website, www.campjewell.org.
The YMCA will review all applications and make the financial need determination.  Norfolk families who are eligible will receive one week of camp at no cost, and may sign up for a second week at a reduced rate.  The two weeks do not have to be consecutive.  If only one week of camp is desired, then that week will be paid by NCCF, and there will be no cost to the family.  For more information, call NCCF President Don Tobias  at 860-480-4125 or Ray Zetye, Camp Jewell’s executive director, at 888-412-CAMP.
The NCCF was established in 1985, and its mission is to ensure that no Norfolk child should be denied a civic, educational, social or cultural enrichment opportunity because of financial need.  The NCCF is managed by a six-person board of directors, which meets at least quarterly to review grant requests.
Donations to help support the NCCF and the campership program may be made by contacting NCCF at 860-542-5293,info@norfolkchildren.com or by writing to P.O. Box 322, Norfolk, CT 06058;).