(MONTGOMERY) -- United Ways of Alabama is offering assistance for youth who were impacted by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma to attend day camps this summer. The funding, granted by the American Red Cross Hurricane Recovery Program, is being provided to programs that offer structured and educational activities targeted to youth ages 3-16.

Youth encouraged to come enjoy summer camp

These types of enriching experiences are important for those youth who were impacted by the 2005 Hurricanes and struggle with distress, trauma and loss. United Ways of Alabama and the American Red Cross Hurricane Recovery Program (HRP) want to help put kids in summer camp and give them the chance to enjoy fun and enriching summer activities.

“For kids to have an opportunity to participate in summer camp and share those experiences with their peers is a small but important step in their recovery process,” said Becky Booker, Executive Director of United Ways.  “Youth throughout Alabama need an atmosphere where they can feel safe and participate in activities that build new skills and allow them to have a fun and relaxing summer.”

Summer camps receiving grant funds include:  African Universal Church Summer Camp (Daphne), YMCA Camp Grist (Selma), Camp Noah (Mobile County), Camp Sumter (Ward), Camp “Teen” Greene (Livingston), Greater Praise Outreach Summer Youth Enrichment Camp (Whistler),  Hale Arts Creative Writing Camp (Greensboro), and Lighthouse CDC Summer Enrichment Program (Grand Bay).

Youth interested in participating should contact Deborah Colburn of United Ways at 251-861-2429 for more information. For more information on the American Red Cross Hurricane Recovery Program contact Jeanne Ellinport at 202-303-4585.

Campers from the Greene County Math and Science Day Camp learn the fine points of fishing with Mr. Maurice Jackson, Fresh Water Biologist and Educator with Outdoor Alabama, an initiative of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Funding for campers impacted by Hurricane Katrina was provided by United Ways of Alabama and the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross is especially qualified to be a partner in recovery due to its extensive experience in responding to major national disasters. The Hurricane Recovery Program (HRP) is committed to helping survivors on the road to recovery while providing careful stewardship and accountability for the resources entrusted to it by the American public.