Every summer children throughout the Greater New York region have looked forward to attending Star Lake Camp in Bloomingdale, New Jersey, enjoying traditional camp activities like swimming, crafts and sports as well as sharing stories around the campfire.
Now with many camps being canceled due to COVID-19 precautions, the Salvation Army of Greater New York made the difficult decision to not open its traditional camp program this summer. Instead they provided a camp experience to children ages 7-12 through their debut “Camp in a Box.”
The Salvation Army Corp in East Harlem spent six weeks packing more than 1,000 boxes, which were delivered to the various Salvation Army of Greater New York locations throughout the five boroughs, Long Island and the Hudson Valley. Boxes contained t-shirts, sunglasses, arts and crafts, books, games and plenty of snacks.
Every child was also given a Salvation Army Corps camp counselor they could talk to online or via phone, keeping them engaged and busy during their week of camp.
“We decided to do the right thing, to come up with something that would really make a difference in children’s lives,” said Antonio Rosamilia, who has been running the Camp in a Box Program. “Keep social distancing and at the same time keep the children connected, keep the counselor connected with them, keep volunteers connected.”

Camp in a Box has been well received by both parents and campers.
“From what I hear from parents and children it’s the best thing that has happened to them since COVID-19,” Rosamilia said. “It gave them a purpose once again.”
Camp will conclude this week.