Sweeney Visits YMCA of the Pines Camp Bright Feathers

Medford – Senate President Steve Sweeney toured the YMCA of the Pines today and spoke to the campers of their Camp Bright Feathers. The camp provides a nurturing environment for children and teens affected by HIV/AIDS and violence.

“Without the escape of school, summer can be an especially hard time for children coming from troubled homes,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “Camps like this offer a unique opportunity to get out of the house and share in positive experiences with kids their age who come from similar situations. It was wonderful to speak to the campers and hear firsthand what Camp Bright Feathers means to them.”

Camp Bright Feathers is designed to provide a safe environment where kids can be kids, creating an alternative to isolation and detachment children living in their situation may experience. The camp offers social and recreational activities that provide relief from the stressful environments they often experience. It aims to empower the children to take ownership, discover their potential and find a positive role model.

“I’m glad that Senate President Sweeney was able to tour our facilities and meet the children participating in Camp Bright Feathers this year,” said Mark Dibble, CEO of YMCA of the Pines. “We are passionate about New Jersey’s youth and dedicated to improving the outcomes for children living in these situations, a vision we share with the Senator.”

YMCA of the Pines has been in the community for more than 112 years. They are located on more than 800 acres in the heart of the South Jersey Pinelands. YMCA of the Pines provides year-round access to nature, adventure, environmental education and fun through top-notch summer camps, a state-of-the-art Outdoor Center, weekend retreats and a full schedule of family programs.