Here we are at the tail-end of Winter. The snow is still falling and the days are still a little gray. But daffodils are pushing up through the ground and birds are returning to the trees in the backyard. It’s hard to realize it, but those long summer days we all look forward to are not far away. What are your plans for this summer?

We at MACH will spend the summer working with some fabulous children. Since 1977 the Music and Arts Center for Humanity has been making arts matter for thousands of under privileged youngsters in the Bridgeport area. MACH is currently enrolling area children and teens in our three signature summer camps.  Our goal is to open the doors to as many kids as we can afford…but without your help MACH cannot run the summer camps.  Just think of what these kids will be missing…

MACH CAMP, the camp for every child, gives special needs children and their non-disabled peers the chance to attend classes in the arts, swim, go on field trips and make lasting friendships.  Professional instructors teach art, music, theater and dance such that everyone participates.  Campers and aides join in a unique end of camp performance to demonstrate new found skills.   MACH/AILEYCAMP® provides at-risk preteens instruction in ballet, modern, jazz and African dance complemented with personal development and communication classes.  Instructors from the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre teach boys and girls the four “A’s”-Acceptance, Attention, Appreciation and Affection.  This is the core of teaching self-discipline, respect for others, creative thinking and positive self-expression.   NEIGHBORHOOD STUDIOS provides an ‘on the job’ experience for artistically gifted teens.  This program is an opportunity to serve an apprenticeship with Master Artists in a working environment.  The young artists who are chosen to participate receive a stipend during the six week program.

Our camps fill the void of summer, providing a safe, fun haven for hundreds of area youngsters who would otherwise be looking for things to do.  The camps offer these youngsters an opportunity to discover and develop their creativity and talents, and are an incredible value at just $1,500 for a 6-week session.  But most Bridgeport families can’t afford it. For some years now, friends of MACH have given generously to sponsor kids’ summer camp fees via our Adopt-a-Camper appeal.  Now, more than ever, these youngsters need people like you to provide the financial support MACH needs to maintain these programs.

When you receive your Camp Appeal letter in the mail, won’t you Adopt-a-Camper?