WAYNESBORO, Pa. – Damon Albert, director of Camp Ezri, located near Hedgesville, West Virginia, told Waynesboro Rotarians that his organization offers at-risk children in the tri-state area, many of them coming from disadvantaged homes and abusive situations an opportunity to enjoy a faith-based camping experience that can give them a fresh perspective.
Along the way he shared some sobering statistics about sex trafficking of minors along the I-81 corridor and noted that Camp Ezri offers some of those children a second chance. Children in some cases in our communities, he said, are being sex trafficked by a severely addicted parent in order to generate money for drugs.
He stressed that the staff of Ezri is all volunteer, and the camp has never charged at-risk minor campers for their experience at the camp. The ratio of adults to children is about 2.5-1, ensuring that each camper receives individual attention. Camps are held throughout the year for both boys and girls, with age groupings close in age so that the youngsters are with appropriate age groups.
The camps in general are for youngsters ages 8 to 18.
They offer significant outdoor experiences to youngsters who desperately need a change to their lives, Albert said. The camp is funded by donations and monthly “subscriptions.” More details can be found at www.campezri.org.
A major fund raiser is planned at Camp Ritchie for April 11, with details available at https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Shine%20for%20Camp%20Ritchie.
