Camp Joy

Olivet Boys & Girls Club has been serving the youth of Reading and Berks County since 1898 when William McCormick started the first club in the former Olivet Presbyterian Church. The social issues that McCormick saw back then-namely, the need to provide safe, supervised activities for youth, are still relevant today. Our Club was one of the original 50 organizations that banded together to form what became Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Olivet Boys & Girls Club is a chartered member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and incorporates many of the national organization's tested youth development programs into our own program lineup. For most of the club's history, we had two units in two neighborhoods, Clinton Street and Mulberry Street. During the 1990's the Club expanded into several new areas of the city. The Club currently operates 12 units in neighborhood-based facilities, public housing, Reading School District buildings, a former synagogue, and the former West Reading Firehouse. We also operate after-school programs in Pottstown. Each member of Olivet Boys & Girls Club is a shareholder in the organization, giving the kids a sense of ownership. Olivet Boys & Girls Club has grown to serve thousands of boys and girls throughout Reading, including a summer day camp in Hamburg, the PAL club and PAL Center for the Arts on Walnut Street. Overall, our services target at-risk youth from diverse communities: 46% of our members are Hispanic, 26% are African American, 20% are multi-racial and 8% are Caucasian, 56% are male and 44% are female, and 84% of the youth we serve live at or below the national poverty level. Today the Club provides diversified activities that meet the interests of all young people. Core programs encourage activities with adults, peers, and family members that enable kids to enhance their self-esteem and fulfill their potential. Based on the physical, emotional, cultural and social needs and interests of boys and girls, and recognizing developmental principles, the Club's programs fall into five areas: Character and Leadership Development; Education and Career Development; Health and Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation.

Girl Scouts of the USA offers enriching experiences for girls, focusing on building character, confidence, and skills through diverse activities, badges, and journeys. With opportunities for families to get involved, the organization fosters community connections while promoting leadership and empowerment among young girls. With programs ranging from cookie sales to service projects, Girl Scouts encourages girls to explore their interests and develop lifelong skills. Their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that every girl has access to the benefits of scouting, creating a supportive environment for personal growth and community engagement. Generated from the website

Easterseals is a national organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and their families by providing essential services tailored to their unique needs. With a network of affiliates across the country, Easterseals offers a range of support in areas such as education, employment, health, community, and transportation. For over 100 years, Easterseals has made a lasting difference in the lives of 1.5 million people each year, helping them to live independent and fulfilling lives. The organization is committed to fostering community support, advocating for individuals with disabilities, and promoting meaningful change through a variety of programs and services. Generated from the website