EASTOVER, S.C. — Camp Impact is serving 100 children who have experienced homelessness throughout South Carolina.
This is the third summer the camp is being held in Eastover. The camp aims to provide them with a summer experience they otherwise may not be afforded.
“This is my first time going to a camp and it makes me feel happy, said one camper."
This summer will be one of firsts for many children participating in the program. It's a weeklong camp for children who are living in homeless shelters across the state, or may currently be in the foster care system. The week is filled with activities like swimming, water sports, and even interacting with livestock like horses.
“It just makes me happy and feel good and I can make new friends here," said another camper.
The children are ages 6 to 14 and are coming from as far as Greenville and York counties. The program has been in place for three years and according to one of its founders, some campers have returned every year.
“Some of these kids, this might be the only thing they get to do all summer and so we’re really just excited to give them the opportunity to have something that they’re proud of that they get to grow their confidence in, make a new friend," said co-founder Margaret Dean Grantz.
They are able to enjoy the activities for free, making it a summer many of them say they'll never forget.
“I’ve noticed the couple years like there’s always some improvements and more safety like every year it gets safer and more improvements and more fun and new activities," said another camper.
This summer's camp ends Friday.