Camp Sloane gives children of veterans summer in the country

LAKEVILLE — Last year, Bear Bryant, executive director of Camp Sloane YMCA, was thinking of ways to thank military veterans at a time when programs and dollars for such endeavors are dwindling.Specifically, Bryant was wondering how to offer two weeks at camp for the children of soldiers and sailors on active duty, or wounded, or killed in action.Bryant was wondering where to get the money for 20 such children — at about $1,000 for two weeks per child — and not getting very far.A friend suggested he just do it himself. So he did.Bryant started with a contact in the Connecticut National Guard who is in charge of such programs.Initially there was a misunderstanding, but when Bryant made it clear he wasn’t looking for money, but rather for participants, the ball got rolling.“You supply the kids, I’ll find the money,” he told her.Soon there were 20 children signed up and another 13 on a waiting list.And something truly remarkable happened. Camp Sloane’s counselors, some 70 mostly young people from 10 different countries as well as the U.S., have an annual “staff auction,” selling off items — English chocolate, authentic Rugby balls — to raise money for the camp in general.Bryant said the auction has never brought in more than $3,000. But this year the counselors (who make $250 a week or less) raised $7,100 — from themselves.“I was moved to tears,” said Bryant.And while the goal had been $20,000 — for 20 kids, the decision was made to include those on the waiting list as well. “So $33,000 became the new goal.”Bryant bought a pair of combat boots and said he will wear them everywhere until the money is raised. “I wore them to Tanglewood — much to the chagrin of my wife.” He also has a black pair in case he has to put on a suit.The children arrive in four weeks, and the fundraising continues. Bryant is putting the word out in every imaginable, albeit informal, manner — talking with family, friends, old college pals. Others are doing the same.And it is working. Bryant, visiting the Lakeville post office, got a nice (and unsolicited) check from an employee there.To contribute, people can visit www.camp-sloane.org (click on “Donate” and in the box for “send acknowledgement to” type “for military families”) or send a check to Camp Sloane YMCA, 124 Indian Mountain Road, Lakeville, CT 06039 (write “for military families” in the memo line).