Summer camp for many American families remains out of reach. A 2024 Gallup poll conducted in partnership with the American Camp Association found that while 30 million young people participate in structured summer programs, nearly half of all parents wished their children could have participated, but were simply unable to afford it. Among lower-income families, the gap is even starker: only 38% of their children access any structured summer opportunity, compared to 67% of upper-income children.
In Litchfield, Connecticut, one Greek Orthodox summer camp has spent two decades doing something about it.
Camp Saint Paul opened in 2005 with 45 campers. This year, more than 800 are expected. And this summer, 30 of those campers arrive on a scholarship funded by something that happened in the Bronx on a Thursday night in June.
On June 18, over 2,500 Greek-Americans attended Yankee Stadium for Greek Jersey Night – an evening that included a limited-edition Hellas Yankees jersey giveaway, a ceremonial first pitch by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, and an atmosphere that briefly turned the Bronx into something resembling a Greek festival. The event raised over $37,500 for Camp Saint Paul. “Greek Jersey Night at Yankee Stadium was a remarkable celebration of our heritage, our faith, and the strength of our community,” said chairman Michael Neamonitakis. “Seeing thousands of Greek-Americans come together in support of Camp Saint Paul while proudly showcasing our culture on one of the world’s most iconic stages was truly inspiring.”
