Summer camp for challenged youths appeals for funds, divine help

Guardian angels seem to keep smiling on the annual PACK summer camp for youths with severe afflictions, its founders say.

Last-minute reprieves have saved the Pasco Association for Challenged Kids event the past few years from cancellation.

Now Barry and Paula Cohen, who started PACK in 1997, are once again hunting for enough funds for the camp in July.

"We've been off to a slow start," Barry Cohen said. Because of illnesses and a death in the family, "It's been a tough year for us."

Grants and donations are scarce because of the lingering effects of the economic slowdown, Cohen said.

This year, a Gulf High School senior, Melinda Singleton, will put on a PACK Flea Market and Festival fundraiser Saturday, April 16. Vendors can rent space for $20.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Gulf High School parking lot.

For more information or to rent space call 727-534-1200 and ask for Melinda or send an e-mail to mrsing@tampabay.rr.com .

"PACK is very near and dear to my heart because of my little brother," Melinda said.

The brother, John, 15, has attended the PACK camp the past five years or so. So she realizes the camp is the only one of its kind in the area. It serves about 40 youths or young adults with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other severe physical and emotional disorders.

Since seniors are expected to do community service projects, Melinda was brainstorming for ideas with her mother, Robin. Inspiration struck and they hit upon a PACK fundraiser.

The Gulf student has had a crash course in how much effort goes behind organizing a community event. The April 16 flea market and festival will let vendors sell their wares or garage sale items. Small businesses can promote their services as well.

The rental money then will benefit PACK. Any donations from the public will be accepted and appreciated, too.

Food and soft drinks will be available. Children's activities are planned.

At least $35,000 usually must be budgeted for a full three weeks of camp, Cohen explained. A large number of highly trained staff members are needed since participants often require specialized, individual attention. Rental for a facility and insurance add to expenses.

Staffers last year helped save the day by agreeing to reductions in pay, Cohen said.

But with the Pasco economy still lagging and the unemployment rate hovering at 13 percent, "We're kind of working against the tide these days," he said.

It's not time for PACK to pack it in, though, Cohen said. Faith in the PACK mission has been rewarded in past years.