WSS Partners With CAMP ANCHOR

"Intelligence plus character, that is the true goal of education."

The wisdom in these words is as relevant today as they were when they were uttered nearly 50 years ago by Martin Luther King, Jr.

In keeping with this focus, I am also pleased to announce the beginning of our partnership with CAMP ANCHOR (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation). This special organization offers several programs for those with disabilities throughout the year, including a summer camp, which is held at Lido Beach. Each summer, brightly colored tents are set up where various activities are hosted for campers. Participants are offered accommodating facilities and are able to enjoy activities such as swimming in the pool and ocean, dance, music, arts and crafts, ceramics, and home economics. Dedicated volunteers (including some of our very own WSS staff) call this place home during the summer.

This year is the 40th anniversary for Camp ANCHOR and the program continues to grow in size! There are an overwhelming amount of participants including a wait list for potential campers and volunteers. In order to accommodate more campers and expand this amazing program, ANCHOR has been fundraising for the past few years in hopes to construct a "building of their own" at Lido Beach.

Washington Street School will help Camp Anchor through a series of education/fundraising activities as detailed below. We welcome you to participate in any of the fundraising events detailed below. Please feel free to visit the school webpage and click on the anchor link in the center for a detailed description of this initiative. We will feature pictures on our website throughout the initiative, which will culminate on June 6th at our 3rd WSS Annual Fun Run.

The following is a description of some of the many events planned.

March 18th
• Joe Lentini from Camp Anchor will visit students in grades 3-6 to show promotional video of Camp Anchor and discuss their mission.


March 27th
• Staff/Parent Basketball tournament will be held as kick-off to fundraising for Camp Anchor. Each team will contribute $40.00 to enter this fun-filled tournament with proceeds going directly to Camp Anchor.

April 1st-30th
• Grade level presentations will be made to students in grades 3 through 6 discussing special needs, with the goal of fostering an understanding of the differences among us.

• SEPTA has purchased and donated children’s books related to students with special needs, which will be read to students in grades K-2

April 4th
• WSS will gather at Camp Anchor to participate in their 2nd annual Walk-A-Thon which is designed to help with the construction of a facility that will allow for services and programs to be provided to children year-round. All are welcome.

June 6th
• The 3rd annual fun run will take place at WSS. Along with helping to defray the cost of renting the race clock, proceeds from the race will be donated to Camp Anchor.

Thank you.