Camp Carnival Destined Not To Be A Washout

Published in the Community Section Marlboro-Manalapan Reporter/Asbury Park Press 7/28/2004 By Michelle Gladden

The Carnival at Kateri Day Camp in Marlboro was thwarted by heavy rains less than two hours after its start. But that didn’t end the day. The annual event included more than one dozen inflatable amusements including water slides, a dunk tank, a miniature train ride and a rock-climbing mountain.

What started as a clear day turned to a slight drizzle shortly after noon. At first the 5 to 13-year –olds ignored the threat of inclement weather. Throwing shots at the baseball and quarterback tosses, enjoying rides on the Tubs of Fun and climbing the 35-foot-long Wild Splash Slip and Slide waterslide, the children seemed ambivalent to the rain. But by 1 p.m. a downpour ensued. Close to 200 campers ran across the front lawn gathering their book bags, clothes and towels. Once inside the Collier High School gym, counselors organized their assigned groups and fitted the campers with dry T-shirts from the camp’s stock of clothes donated by area families and businesses.

“We’re going to have a dance,” informed camp director Matthew Wilson. Meanwhile Allison Watkins, a program specialist, supervised visits to the water fountain and restrooms. Earlier in the day, the 24-year-old said that counselors and children alike enjoyed Carnival Day. “As a child I loved coming to the camp, said Watkins who attended the camp from age 7 to 13. “I liked it because it was a unique camp. They keep the kids active and learning new things. You learn about nature and respect.”

Established in 1977, Kateri camp has grown into a full-scale recreational program serving hundreds of Monmouth County’s impoverished, urban youth.

Veteran Pablo Samuel returned this year as a unit leader. “I’m in charge of the Sherwood Forest campers and I oversee that unit’s staff.” He explained. The 32-year-old Long Branch resident said that part of his challenge is to redirect the children’s anger. “If they (lose their temper) or begin to isolate themselves, I’ll bring them outside of the immediate area or for a walk through the woods. They’re angry for a reason so I’ll talk to them, maybe show them different animals or bushes until they calm down.”

Samuel says that he’s now studying earth science and education at Kean University and is starting his second career. “I always wanted to be a science teacher,” he said. “As a kid I really got hooked on the nature side. Anytime I could, I went out with one of the naturalists.”

The Kateri Day Camp was developed in 1977 as a service for Monmouth County children. With the mission of fostering respect for one’s self, others and for nature, the recreational camp provides an outlet for impoverished urban youth to enjoy nature and develop skills important to a healthy lifestyle.

According to its Web site, the Campership program, established in 1992 and privately funded, provide the camp experience for hundreds of economically disadvantaged children who are not eligible for public assistance. Each one of these children received funding through the campership program,” clarified Jackie St. Angel, Development Director. “The program provides a recreational experience that is focused on giving children a senses of their own values, self-respect and world commitment.”