The Jim Thorpe Rotary Summer Recreation Program completed its 28th year on Aug. 8.

The camp began in 1996 and was founded by the late Rotarian and former Jim Thorpe Area School Board member Randy Smith.

Since that time, the summer rec program has operated every year — except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — and has served approximately 3,500 children in the Jim Thorpe district.

This year’s camp began on June 17 and ended on Aug. 8 (Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).

This year, 125 children signed up to participate, ranging from those entering first to those entering fifth grades.

The activities include a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program, arts and crafts, sports and games, and programs providing safety information from the local police and fire departments, and many other programs and activities.

Breakfast items were provided by the Rotary and delicious and nutritious meals were prepared by the LB Morris Nutrition Inc. staff.

“The program would not be possible without the cooperation and investment of multiple local organizations and individuals — for that, the Rotary offers its sincerest thanks,” said Clem McGinley of the Rotary.

The 2024 program was significantly supported by the Lehigh Carbon Community College SHINE Program (Director Rachel Strucko), that supported the lunch program and the salaries for the STEM teachers; Carbon County CareerLink Summer Youth Employment Program, that contributed five counselor positions; the JTASD administration, board of directors and Nutrition Inc.

The LB Morris Elementary staff donated generously to the program and allowed the club to use the school for part of the program and lunches.

The Borough of Jim Thorpe for its donation allowed Rotary to use Memorial Park for a portion of the camp.

Other major donors include: Penn Forest Township; Mauch Chunk Trust, Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank; and the Jim Thorpe Lions Club. Monetary grants were also received from Constellation Energy and the Thrivent Action Team.

Many parents donated money, games and food to support the program.

“We want to thank our wonderful counselors and staff for all the hard work they invested in making the Summer Rec Program successful. Led by the director, Emily (Sofranko) Martin, Co-director Mike Wagner and Linda Sheridan (all teachers and SHINE staff) and the counselors supplied by CareerLink, the camp provided a safe and enjoyable experience for the participants,” McGinley said.