2008 Send a Kid to Camp

Program Description
A free, drop-in, summer recreational program for youth ages 6-15 (average age 10), conducted Monday through Friday, June 16 through August 8 (See site list) 2008 (no camp July 4th), at camp sites throughout the city.  Activities include sports, crafts, games, swimming, nature studies, life skills development, enrichment programs and field trips.

Program History
The SEND A KID TO CAMP program began in 1988 as an alternative to discontinuing the summer youth program when the City experienced an economic downturn.  Since its inception, more than 55,000 Dallas youth have been served and 468 camps have been conducted.   Sites are located in communities where there are few or no opportunities for youth to attend structured summer recreational programs.

Program Goal
To provide supervised and structured activities that develop and enhance self-esteem, sportsmanship, interpersonal skills and cultural awareness on approximately 17 sites throughout the city.

Program Design
Each camp is conducted Monday through Friday, 6 hours per day for eight weeks (No early drop-off or late pick-up).  Hours of operation and schedules swimming and other activities will vary and are determined by an assessment of community needs and available resources.  You will receive a site calendar when you register.

Program Registration
Each child must complete a registration form with a parent/legal guardian at the park site on the first day he/she attends the program.  If the child will be traveling on field trips, a parent/legal guardian must complete a transportation form, also available at each site.Send a Kid to Camp is a drop-in program; each child is free to come and go.  Lunch may not be provided at all sites.  No refrigeration is available.  For more information call (214) 671-1490.

Sponsors of the 2007 Send A Kid to Camp
Dallas Park and Recreation Department
WFAA-TV, Channel 8
The Citizens of Dallas

Every child deserves some summer fun.  Watch for a “Help! Send a Kid to Camp” envelope in April 2008 Dallas Water Bill.  You can help a child have a fun-filled summer by returning your contribution in that envelope.

$20 will help fund a child for eight weeks of summer fun.  All donations from the public and sponsors go into a fund managed by the Communities Foundation of Texas.  All proceeds are spent directly on program activities (field trips, specialty programs and events).  None of the donated funds pay for administrative costs.

All contributions are tax deductible.  

If you would like to liven up the summer for a Dallas child, please write a check payable to Send a Kid to Camp and mail to:    

Send a Kid to Camp
Dallas Park and Recreation Dept.
1500 MarillaCity Hall, Room 6 FN
Dallas, Texas 75201- 6300

1,251 children participated in the 2007 Send a Kid to Camp program.  Activities at each site included once-a-week swimming and enrichment clinics in sports, art and African drumming.  The participants also enjoyed field trips to the Bahama Beach Water Park, a Frisco RoughRiders game and Studio Movie Grill.

Thank you to the Citizens of Dallas and our wonderful sponsors who supported the 2007 Send a Kid to Camp program through your generous contributions.

Camp Sites (Adobe PDF)