Take A Break Camp Program

It’s all about the children...  and their families...  and US!

• What are your favorite memories of childhood summer vacations?
• Do you remember counting the days until school’s end?  
•  Impatiently waiting for summer to get under way?

For most people, summer memories are vivid, colored with good feelings. Today, many children dread summer.  For safety’s sake many are confined inside, forbidden to play outside.

 In 1997 as an extension of their ministry to the poor and their commitment to families, the Sisters of St. John the Baptist  initiated TAKE-A-BREAK, a summer vacation program for some of the neediest families that the Sisters work with in their apostolates within the New York / New Jersey area. The goal of the TAKE-A-BREAK program is to provide a week-long, cost-free, residential vacation to families who would not otherwise be able to "take a break" from the noise, heat and turmoil of the inner city. 

The current economic crises only makes their situations much worse.

The majority of the families participating in this program are single-parent women who are struggling to fulfill their responsibilities to their loved ones and to society. Many juggle two jobs along with home duties just to make ends meet. For them, there is no money available for a "non-essential" such as a vacation - even if one is desperately needed.  TAB Participants range from energetic toddlers to seasoned grandmothers.

New Locations  - Same Enjoyable Program

In the peaceful settings of St John Villa Academy and Hampton Suites, Staten Island, NY, the TAKE-A-BREAK families enjoy a variety of activities and the time to play and relax with one another.  It is a time to deepen family bonding, to nourish the spirit of play and of awe, and to generate long-lasting memories.

Few things in life are a "win-win" situation.
  But for the families as well as our volunteers,  TAKE-A-BREAK is one of them. Listen to some of our participants:

"Thank you, thank you, thank you. My children and I had such a wonderful time. You all made us feel at home and you treated us with respect and love. We would never have been able to do this on our own. Everyone worked so hard for us - those we saw every day and those who worked behind the scenes. We enjoyed every minute of our vacation - this beautiful gift from God." (A Mother)

"At first I was scared of all the people and noises. But the people were nice and then I didn’t hear the bugs anymore. Learning soccer was great!" (Boy, age 7)

"I have volunteered for the Take-A- Break program since its start. The program is indeed a work of God and of our Founder, Bl. Alfonso Maria Fusco. In this place of God’s beautiful creation we do what we can to bring some joy and peace to these parents and their children."
(Sister, Adult Assistant)

" I didn’t want to come and leave my friends. I thought it would be boring. But I met other girls and we became new friends. We loved to be in the pool and tell about ourselves. I hope I can come back" (Girl, age 11) 

"I was inspired by the love and devotion showed by the Sisters and all adults present. The children seemed so excited. The level and variety of activities was incredible. TAKE-A-BREAK was a welcome break from the hectic pace of my regular life. I will definitely volunteer to come again." (Adult Counselor)

"I thoroughly enjoyed my much needed break. I was able to spend time with my children without having to say "Wait until after I do the dishes, clean the house, come home from work, etc." This was a precious time for me to be with my children, play with them, enjoy them. I want my children to be loving, caring people and these days, living and sharing with other families, was a time for me to reinforce these goals." (Arlene, Mother)

"I wished I didn’t have to leave. Everything’s nice here. No fighting, no shouting. Lots to do and eat. But it’s a little buggy. (Melissa, Age 8)

"I’ve been coming for 3 years and every year is more rewarding. The Sisters and volunteers put their hearts into this program - and it shows. I’ll be back next year to see more of the smiles on all the kids’ faces (Teen Counselor)

"Thank you once again. Keep up this good work for other mothers like me who really need a "BREAK". (Mother)

     

We Need Your Contributions To Help Us Continue this Special Program!

Many helping hands and loving hearts contribute to the smooth running and success of the TAKE-A-BREAK  program. Sisters dedicate part of their summer to preparing food, providing hospitality and organizing activities. Volunteer mothers and fathers give of their time as a family in order to bring encouragement to our  TAKE-A-BREAK  families. Teens from the Sisters’ apostolates set aside a part of their own summer to serve as counselors, happily sharing their energy and enthusiasm with our  TAKE-A-BREAK  participants.

You, our generous benefactors, are with us in spirit, making 
it all possible.  Your contributions enable the Sisters to cover program costs, such as meals, housekeeping, and recreational opportunities.
 

To help support or learn more about the  
TAKE-A-BREAK  program, please contact:

Sr. Rosaria De Maro, C.S.JB.
TAKE-A-BREAK PROGRAM
150 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY 10577
914-761-7965
[email protected]