Abington campers add service to summer fun

Abington lion readers

Penn State Abington summer campers take a break with the Nittany Lion to enjoy one of the many books they collected for children in need.

Credit: Pam Brobst

ABINGTON, Pa. — Children and families in need will receive books, school supplies and winter coats thanks to Penn State Abington summer campers and the campus' education majors.

The Abington Kids & Teen College and the Education Club at Abington added a simple service component to the summer camps this year. Campers donated items including backpacks for children enrolled in Abington’s community partner schools. Elementary education majors visit the partner schools in economically distressed areas frequently, teaching lessons and assisting the teachers.

Deanna Bosley manages the camps and said they added gently worn handbags filled with personal care items such as hand sanitizer and Band-Aids to the wish list. The education students plan to deliver those items to a women’s shelter.

“We were thrilled to be a part of this project and want to thank the community for their generosity,” Bosley, the education program manager, added the campus community donated items as well.

Abington camps

Penn State Abington Kids & Teen College summer campers donated school supplies, winter coats, and toiletries to donate to local schools and shelters.

Credit: Pam Brobst

The Kids & Teen College welcomed about 400 students in third through 12th grade this summer, many of whom attend multiple weeks. They choose from almost 40 camps focusing on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) disciplines. Instructors include Penn State alumni and all counselors are Penn State students.

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