Law firm leads effort for free summer camp

Program response cause for expansion

By Rikki Boyce, Special to My Life
Sunday, August 23, 2009

Summer campers surround Elizabeth and Ben Daniel as they present a check to Glenview Community Center director Linda Bates.

This summer, Daniel Law Firm sponsored a program that gave 128 children and teens a summer full of fun and friendship in a safe environment. That's how many enrollment fees were underwritten through donations, so kids could enjoy the Memphis Park Services' Summer Camp Program absolutely free.

Called "Worry Free Summer Camp," their community outreach effort started with a modest plan by firm principals Ben and Elizabeth Daniel to send 40 needy children to camp.

They were quickly inundated by close to 1,000 applications from families. Each application included a paragraph on how summer camp would help a family better cope through the summer. The stories inspired the Daniel Law Firm to increase its personal commitment to 50 kids, and launch a campaign to recruit other adopters for the campers. Thanks to family, friends and business associates a total of 128 kids, ages 5-15, went to summer camp for free.

Kids attended camp each weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for eight weeks at their neighborhood community center. They spent their summer days in a secure environment, making friends, stretching their creativity and engaging in educational activities. The kids also received a healthy lunch and snack each day, provided by the Memphis City Schools.

"Our 'Worry Free Summer Camp' was simply an opportunity for us to help others in a different way than our usual legal services," said Ben Daniel. "Next year, we'd love to send every applicant to camp."

Daniel Law Firm has already started recruiting adopters for next year. Yellow Cab has committed, and plans to not only adopt some teens, but also provide a cab ride the first day of camp.

For information on adopting a camper for the 2010 Summer Camp Program, contact Elizabeth@daniellawfirm.com or call 525-5555.