‘Happy Summer Place’: Camp Wonderland exposes kids to different world with help from Salvation Army

SHARON, Mass — From food and shelter to childcare, rental assistance, and beyond, donations to the Salvation Army stay in the area in which they’re given. That means the money you give in Massachusetts is used to support your neighbors here.

The Salvation Army’s reach goes beyond urgent and immediate needs. They’re also investing in the future.

Camp Wonderland is a 116-acre campground in Sharon. They run seven one-week camps with themes like music camp and teen week.

“We call it the ‘happy summer place’,” says Camp Director Jen Forester.

Before becoming Camp Director, Forester was a camper which makes her love it even more.

“To me, summer camp opened my world.  It exposed me to a different kind of world than I was experiencing in my small town,” Forester said.

Camper Chameen Wade has been coming here since she was six, joining students from across Massachusetts, and camp counselors from around the world, to carve out a week of screen-free fun, games, clubs, archery, watersports, and more.

Camp is an opportunity to disconnect while plugging into something bigger than themselves.

“For the most part kids do awesome, and they really enjoy being with friends and learning life skills like independence and confidence and a lot of leadership qualities that are built here at summer camp,” Forester added.

16-year-old Elijah Alcorn-Crowder says he’s never lonely when coming to camp.

“You’re always welcome to make a friend here, and if you can’t make a friend, trust me you’ll make a friend here.” It gave me hope, cause outside of here, I really struggled with that if I can be honest,” Crowder said.

Crowder hopes to return as a counselor and give other kids the same experience.

For more information on Camp Wonderland, visit the link here.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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