JAX Chamber: Local Kids, Teens Enjoy An Outdoor Spring Break At McKenzie's Camp Deep Pond

Jacksonville FL

18 April, 2022

2:44 PM

Description

Press release from the JAX Chamber: April 18, 2022 Jacksonville, Fla. (April 15, 2022): Over the past five years, more than 7,500 local young people from Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida have enjoyed a unique, fun-filled spring break and summer camp at McKenzie's Camp Deep Pond. Recently during spring break for Duval and St. Johns counties, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida hosted more than 300 kids and teens from 11 local Boys & Girls Clubs at the organization's 63-acre adventure property about 30 miles north of Jacksonville in Hilliard, Florida. While at the camp, young people enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming, bicycling, archery, hiking and more in a safe outdoor environment among highly-trained youth development professionals. Kids and teens experience firsthand environmental education through nature walks and conservation curriculum. They also learn valuable life lessons in overcoming challenges, learning new skills and working as a team. "McKenzie's Camp Deep Pond offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our kids and teens, many of whom rarely get to travel beyond their own neighborhoods. We love seeing confidence build in that child who is learning to ride a bike for the first time; and we cheer on the teen who is thrilled to catch their first fish," said Paul Martinez, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. During spring break this year, young people enjoyed the added bonuses of larger-than-life French fry and onion ring tossing games, free swag like sunglasses and free food, all courtesy of Whataburger. Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, the organization that owns and operates McKenzie's Camp Deep Pond, plans to build additional amenities that will benefit the young people and other visitors who enjoy the property. Plans are already underway to build a Multipurpose Activity Center that will serve as a dining hall, catering kitchen, performance venue and retreat hub. The organization also continues to add outdoor amenities such as a new fishing pier and sand volleyball court. This summer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida plans to host thousands of young people from local Clubs and other organizations during its eight-week outdoor summer camp at McKenzie's Camp Deep Pond. To sponsor a young person for camp, to help fund the Multipurpose Activity Center or to learn more about McKenzie's Camp Deep Pond, visit bgcnf.org/camp-deep-pond. For 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has enabled young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our 38 Clubs serve more than 3,500 young people each day in Duval, St. Johns and Alachua counties. Our Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs during critical non-school hours and during the summer. Club programs promote five core areas: character and leadership, education and workforce readiness, the arts, health and wellness, and sports and recreation. In a Harris Survey of Boys & Girls Clubs alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. Learn more at bgcnf.org. This press release was produced by the JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author's own.