Campbell Soup Foundation kicks off annual summer camp program

Forty students from Camden’s Holy Name School got a preview this morning of the summer’s possibilities: heat and camp.

The students were among attendees at the kickoff announcement for the Campbell Soup Foundation’s annual Campbell Soup Summer Program. The 37-year tradition helps fund nonprofit organizations’ summer programs that focus on arts and culture, education, recreation and career exploration activities for socially and economically disadvantaged youth in Camden.

“Our Summer Program is one of our most rewarding traditions,” Campbell Soup Foundation Jerry Buckley said. “Through the years, it has improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Camden’s children through a wide range of fun and educational activities. We’re pleased that we can continue this long tradition with our partners in the community.”

Buckley joined Holy Name School children to announce a $385,000 check to fund 26 programs run by 25 nonprofits to benefit 10,000 Camden-area youth. But the students weren’t just there to admire the giant check. They got a first-hand look at what the Y of Burlington and Camden Counties will help youngsters do this summer. The Coordinated Approach to Child Health program has dedicated itself to decreasing childhood obesity and hunger by 50 percent among Camden children. Donning uniforms, the students worked up a sweat doing hula hoop and aerobic exercises and learned a little bit about nutrition in the Campbell Employee Center Courtyard.

The Foundation says it’s contributed more than $11 million to local organizations throughout its nearly four-decade history to fund summer programming for elementary, middle and high school students.