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November 25, 2019
What does it take to send 33 Manchester girls to summer camp in Newbury, Vermont over the past 15 years? It takes the dedication, commitment, collaboration and teamwork between Manchester Rotarians and Manchester Knights. It takes their gas-powered leaf blowers and string trimmers. It takes dozens of rakes, leaf barrels and some dump trucks. And it takes the support and cooperation of the Manchester school system to identify girls who would most benefit from a life-changing, summer camp experience who otherwise may not have had the opportunity without this unique program.
Camp Farwell, the oldest continually operating summer camp for girls in the USA., is situated on beautiful Halls Lake in Newbury, VT. The 100-acre camp, located about 160 miles north of Manchester, boasts of a well-regarded horse riding program and a full array of summer camp experiences the likes of which books are written.
So, how did this extraordinary opportunity for some very lucky Manchester girls come about? It’s called sweat equity. Each year 4-5 camperships are provided in exchange for a weekend of volunteer labor to spruce up the camp grounds in preparation for summer campers. But, it’s not all sacrifice, blisters and sore backs. Manchester Rotarians, along with our dedicated community partners, the Manchester Knights Youth Football program, get to share an experience that strengthens our bonds, enhances our camaraderie, and gives us a sense of fulfillment that few other experiences will ever do. We get to see the direct benefit of our physical endeavors translated into the remarkable opportunity to transform lives. It’s great to be a Rotarian!
Below:
Volunteers take a break to pose for a group photo.
Three of our 2019 campers, along with their families, share their summer camp adventures during the November 19 Rotary Club meeting.
