The Avril Lavigne Foundation and Easter Seals announced that CAMP S.T.A.R.S., a scholarship program that gives low-income children with disabilities the chance to attend summer camp, will continue for a third consecutive year.
Launched in 2012, CAMP S.T.A.R.S. – Summer Time Avril Rock Stars – was inspired by Avril Lavigne's time visiting and supporting Easter Seals Summer Camp programs throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as her personal experiences growing up.
“Since starting this program, we’ve helped more than 100 children and young adults to attend summer camp to make lifelong friends, have fun and learn new skills,” said Avril Lavigne. “I created the Avril Lavigne Foundation to help people find joy and acceptance no matter what their circumstances, so I’m proud to support this program with Easter Seals again this year.”
CAMP S.T.A.R.S. will continue at five Easter Seals camps this summer across the U.S. and Canada, including Easter Seals Southern California, Easter Seals Washington, Easter Seals North Carolina & Virginia, Easter Seals Greater Houston, and Easter Seals Alberta, Canada. The Avril Lavigne Foundation will fund camp scholarships for 50 children during the summer of 2015, most of whom live at or below the poverty level and would otherwise not be able to attend camp.
“I have attended camp 5 years now, and I learn a new activity every year,” said Jordan, age 16, who attends Camp Horizon in Alberta, Canada. “I might be smiling in every single picture of me at camp, because that is how I feel!”
“We’re thrilled that Avril is continuing her support of our summer camp programs,” said Randy Rutta, president and chief executive officer of Easter Seals. “Attending summer camp is a rite of passage for kids. Avril’s personal commitment to ensuring that all children have every opportunity to attend and enjoy all the fun and memories that come along with camping is quite admirable. She knows how important inclusion is and Camp S.T.A.R.S allows children with disabilities to do just that!”
