Greater Somerset County YMCA’s New Camp SOAR for Under-resourced Families Helps Children in Franklin Township and Surrounding Areas 

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman Visited Greater Somerset County YMCA’s New Camp During Final Weeks

Basking Ridge, N.J. – August 29, 2022 – Camp SOAR is a first-of-its kind initiative of Greater Somerset County YMCA (GSCYMCA), and is made possible by a grant from Somerset County through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). GSCYMCA was selected for its leadership in camp programming. As a community pillar, GSCYMCA’s mission is to provide everyone with ample access to resources, as well as opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of background or economic situation.

Throughout the summer, children experienced camp – some of them for the first time in their lives – at Camp SOAR’s home in Colonial Park, which was in partnership with the Somerset County Parks Commission. The five-week summer camp ran from July 11 through August 12, 2022, and served under-resourced families from Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, Manville, and Franklin Township, who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Camp Stories

#1: The YMCA is more than a building, it’s a place without walls—including a camp located at one of Somerset County’s beautiful parks. As such, the YMCA embraces its mission to strengthen community with a steadfast commitment to inclusion, holding true to the belief that everyone comes from a unique background and that no one should be turned away from getting the help they need. In this story, a single working mother was recently divorced and living in a hotel with her child after relocating to New Jersey for a job opportunity. She needed camp to be able to work and had few resources left after a lengthy divorce process. Camp SOAR helped her provide a safe and nurturing environment for her child to play and learn while she began the process of rebuilding her life. At the end of camp, the woman expressed her gratitude and felt hopeful again, as well as a desire to help ensure Camp SOAR continues to grow and remain available to others like her in the years to come. (No name is provided to protect identity.)

#2:  Jasper never had an opportunity to experience day camp until Camp SOAR. His mother said he awoke early each morning in anticipation of the new adventures that awaited him at his new summer home, especially science activities, Wacky Wednesdays, and pool days. In addition to all the tangible, first-time experiences Jasper had, he also found something more: friends and counselors who believed in his potential. He says they introduced him to new things and helped him learn. A highlight for him was being awarded with character cards for good behavior. His mother appreciated the focus on child development because it gave her young son something to work for and be proud of achieving. For Jasper, and so many other Camp SOAR children, the memories and skills learned will follow them into the upcoming school year and help shape them as future leaders. This is what strengthening community can look like, and GSCYMCA was honored to have the opportunity to greet families with a welcoming smile each day and leave a lasting imprint on their lives.

Camp SOAR’s Success and Site Visit from Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman
GSCYMCA is thrilled at the camp’s resounding success. There were incredible highlights, including a visit from the Millstone Volunteer Fire Department that gave children an opportunity to meet first responders and stay cool. Stories of the novel camp’s activities and children’s lives being enhanced by the experience, reached far and wide. One such person with an interest in Camp SOAR’s progress is Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey’s 12^th Congressional District, who visited the campgrounds on Friday, August 5. The children prepared for her visit with a colorful banner they created and eagerly awaited a chance to speak with the congresswoman. Rep. Watson Coleman was instrumental in advocating for the passage of ARPA, which Somerset County used to fund the camp’s first year.

GSCYMCA and Somerset County officials hosted the site visit with the congresswoman to show her how well the camp was doing and to speak with her about the camp’s future. Representatives from Somerset County who were present to welcome the Congresswoman included Somerset County Surrogate Bernice “Tina” Jalloh; Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson; Commissioner Sara Sooy; and Commissioner Douglas Singleterry.

During the site visit, Rep. Watson Coleman shared her gratitude to Somerset County and GSCYMCA, “The American Rescue Plan was designed to uplift communities and families during a very difficult time for our country, and I’d like to extend my thanks to Somerset County for putting that funding to excellent use. Programs like Camp SOAR are steps toward a more equitable society. We must ensure that we can carry on and support initiatives like this in the future.”

As a member of Congress, Rep. Watson Coleman is serving her fourth term in the United States House of Representatives, the continuation of a career in public service advocating for the needs of New Jersey families and the equitable treatment of all people. The first Black woman to represent New Jersey, she is a member of the Appropriations Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and serves as Vice Chair At-Large of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. The Congresswoman additionally serves as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls.

“For generations, the YMCA has been a fixture of communities in Somerset County and all over the country. From providing outdoor recreation opportunities to offering extracurricular educational programs, I am so grateful for everything the Y has done for underserved youth. I’m committed to using my role as a member of Congress to advocate for investments in future generations. Camp SOAR will change children’s lives, and I couldn’t be prouder to support it,” commented Rep. Watson Coleman.

Additional Quotes About Camp SOAR and Congressman Bonnie Watson Coleman’s Site Visit

“Congresswoman Watson Coleman is a leader who understands the importance of supporting vulnerable communities; they are the focus of this camp. When you look at the smiles on the faces of the children, you can’t help but understand the life-changing impact these weeks of summer camp will have for many of the children,” said Commissioner Doug Singleterry, a member of Healthier Somerset. “The talent and caring work of the YMCA made them a perfect partner for taking care of county children. Next week will be the last week of Camp SOAR in 2022, but not the end of our commitment to the families of Somerset County.”

“We as a collective body of commissioners and elected officials at the county are appreciative of all the work the YMCA is doing, but more importantly that we are partnering with them to make this happen. We will go bigger and better next year and continue throughout the school year as the Y continues to provide before and after school care,” said Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson.

“We thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman for being a long-time supporter of the Y, locally and on a federal level. Our priorities are aligned, and we look forward to continuing to enrich the lives of all the children in our communities, together,” said David M. Carcieri, President and CEO of GSCYMCA. “We appreciate the support we have received from the county to make this camp happen, because giving these kids the ability to use this park and all its beautiful amenities has really been heartwarming. The kids are having so much fun while learning real life values. It’s an exciting venture because this is a part of the county where we are expanding our footprint, and as we have grown our programs and services, we have raised awareness and interest about the need for a Y in Franklin Township.”

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About Camp SOAR

Camp SOAR, launched in July 2022 by Franklin Township YMCA, a branch of Greater Somerset County YMCA, supports under-resourced families in Bound Brook, South Bound Brook, Manville, and Franklin Township, who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with an affordable, enriching camp option. The main source of program funding is a grant from Somerset County, which is made available through the American Rescue Plan. Additionally, GSCYMCA is partnering with the Somerset County Parks Commission to host the camp at Colonial Park.

Camp SOAR provides a Summer of Outdoor Adventure and Recreation to children in a versatile setting for a myriad of enriching summer camp activities, so they have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive during the summer months and so parents can work without worry. Daily activities include: STEM, Arts & Crafts, Sports & Games, Nature Walks, Mini-golf, Splash Pad, Literacy, Summer Learning Loss Prevention, Social Emotional Learning, Team Building, and Character Development. Camp SOAR runs daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended hour opportunities beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. Transportation and meals are provided during regular Camp hours. In addition, the Camp offers a Counselor in Training Program for 7th, 8^th, and 9^th graders, and has created 40 new job opportunities.

For more information about Camp SOAR, contact District VP of Operations, Ben Green at bgreen@gscymca.org or 908-369-0490 x714, or visit gscymca.org/campsoar.

About Greater Somerset County YMCA

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. The Y empowers everyone—no matter who they are or where they’re from—by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. For information about Greater Somerset County YMCA and financial assistance, visit us at gscymca.org.