Local kids enjoy summer camp thanks to Montgomery Parks Foundation scholarships
WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks and the Montgomery Parks Foundation are making summer camp dreams come true for 34 local children and teens by awarding them the Marye Wells-Harley Dream Camp scholarship.
The scholarship is funded by donations and provides one week of camp tuition to young people ages 3-18 whose families need financial assistance. The 34 scholarships awarded this summer represent the largest number granted since the program started in 2018.
“This record number of awardees means that we are getting the word out to the people that need the services,” said former Planning Board member Marye Wells-Harley. “Summer camp is an opportunity for children to explore, learn, meet new people, and have fun in a safe and secure environment. And it also gives mom and dad a little break during summertime.”
The scholarship fund was created to honor Marye Wells-Harley’s commitment to young people and parks and recreation. She is a former member of the Montgomery County Planning Board and a retired director of the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation.
“The Marye Wells-Harley Dream Scholarship Fund is a source of great pride for the Montgomery Parks Foundation,” said Foundation Communications Manager Jaclyn Riedel. “It’s so rewarding to give children the opportunity to experience the joys of summer camp. This would not be possible without the support of our generous community members.”
Examples of camps chosen by scholarship recipients include Totally Tennis Camp at Pauline Betz Addie Tennis Center, All Sports Camp at Wheaton Sports Pavilion, and Week in the Park at Wheaton Sports Pavilion.
“The Marye Wells-Harley Dream Scholarship Fund gives kids a chance to try a new activity over the summer, learn new skills, and have fun,” says Montgomery Parks Director Mike Riley. “The application process is open to every family in the county who may need assistance.”
Camp scholarship applications are closed for this year but will reopen for next summer in early 2024.
Those interested in donating to the Marye Wells-Harley Dream Camp scholarship fund should contact the Montgomery Parks Foundation.
A complete interview with Marye Wells-Harley about the Dream Camp scholarship can be found on Montgomery Parks’ YouTube Channel.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 420 parks. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems.
About The Montgomery Parks Foundation
The Montgomery Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that champions Montgomery County Parks cultivating financial support and public engagement of county residents and businesses as members, donors, sponsors and advocates.
Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information. ###