The Jacksonville Children's Commission (JCC) has officially launched its 2007 Summer Camp program by allocating grants to more than 60 percent of the organizations that applied to receive funding. The City of Jacksonville is also calling on the community for donations to increase the capacity of these programs and send even more children to camp.

"We know that children who are engaged during 'out of school' times are less likely to get in trouble or get involved in criminal activity," said Mayor John Peyton. "In addition, children involved in our summer camp programs will be engaged in activities that curtail summer learning loss and expose them to career choices, as well as helping them learn about the skills they need to develop to succeed in tomorrow's workforce."

Thirty-two organizations which run 83 camps, for a total of 3,725 camp seats, have received funding from the JCC. To guarantee a set standard of content and quality for summer camp providers, camps receiving JCC-funding have demonstrated they will follow the research-based 3E curriculum model.

The goals of the 3Es curriculum model are to provide EXPOSURE to children through experiential learning and career education, to promote EXPERIENCE in real world situations and the workforce and to create EXCITEMENT and sense of ownership for the child's own education and future. Camp providers will ensure the following components are included in their programming: literacy enrichment: math and science enrichment, workforce development, cultural enrichment, service leadership and field trips.

All JCC-funded camps will provide a quality six-week camp experience and will be held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Camp programs are open to Duval County children currently in kindergarten through 15 years of age.

A parent fee is required and will be assessed by all partnering camps to help offset costs not covered by the JCC. Parent fees may not exceed $10 per week, but camps may decide the actual amount based on their target population's needs. While camps are allowed to charge extra for extended day (beyond 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) and for some field trip costs, many are using the parent fee to cover one or both of these costs.

Children participating in the free/reduced lunch program, have documented special needs or are recipients of the McKay Scholarship are eligible for seats at selected camps.

A complete list of 2007 Summer Camps may be found at the JCC Web site, www.jaxkids.net; by calling (904) 630-3647 or at any branch of the Jacksonville Public Library.

Registration for these camps will be held at the individual camp sites. Parents interested in enrolling their child in camp this summer should contact the organizations directly to learn more about availability and how to register their child.

In addition, the City of Jacksonville is calling on the community for donations to help them send even more children to camp. The JCC has established that $300 will pay for a child to attend day-camp all summer long.

"We believe these programs will have a positive an impact on our children while providing them with a safe and productive environment over the summer," said Mayor Peyton. "But government cannot do it alone. We need the support of our community."

All contributions are tax-deductible. Checks should be made out to "The Community Foundation" with the phrase "Summer Camp Sponsorship 2007" in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to:

Jacksonville Children's Commission
c/o Chandra Warlick
1095 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32206

To learn more about the Jacksonville Children's Commission, visit www.jaxkids.net or call (904) 630-3647.