Children’s shelter hosts free overnight camps

The Florida Keys Children’s Shelter has announced that there are limited spaces available for their free overnight summer camp program. The Jelsema Journey camp is a program for at-risk Monroe County youth, ages 10-17, with three sessions offered in July and August at the Melvin M. Jelsema Center in Tavernier.

“We’re happy to make this special experience available at no cost to qualifying youth,” said camp director, Sebastian Rivera. The first session begins on July 11th and runs through July 18th. The second session begins on July 18th and runs through July 25th. The third and final session begins on July 25th and runs through August 1st. Daily outings like rollerblading and horseback riding are partially funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. Recreation, life skills and educational programming are made possible with funding from the Ocean Reef Community Foundation. All other costs, including free transportation to and from the Lower and Middle Keys, are covered by the Helen’s Hope Foundation along with county, state and federal grants.

Youth at risk of making bad decisions, or who would benefit from a supervised, structured environment are invited to apply for the free camp. For more information, contact Sebastian Rivera at (305) 432.1218 or Christi Shortes at (305) 852.2882, extension 239.

About the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter

“Safe Kids, Strong Families, and a Healthy Community” drives every facet of Florida Keys Children’s Shelter programming.  Serving Monroe County for 35 years, the nonprofit changes the lives of more than 500 youth annually with its free programs including an emergency shelter, group homes, community-based counseling, and drop-in center for homeless and run-away youth.  For information, visit www.FKCS.org or call (305) 852.4246.

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