Cash-Strapped Camp For Girls May Close
Seekers Of Knowledge Teaches Etiquette, Self-Esteem
POSTED: 4:11 pm EDT August 15, 2008
UPDATED: 6:31 pm EDT August 15, 2008
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BOSTON -- The Seekers of Knowledge camp in Dorchester has been a happy and safe haven for young girls from the neighborhood all summer. But now, the camp may close, leaving many young campers heartbroken.
Cash-Strapped Camp Could Close NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported that the camp, located on Blue Hill Avenue, has run out of money."The constable just dropped off an eviction notice," said camp director Cynthia Gaines.Since 1999, Gaines has been director of Seekers of Knowledge, a camp that was first started by her mother in a church back in North Carolina."They seek knowledge in every area. We have etiquette classes. This is actually etiquette week. I teach them how to sit in restaurants, how to sit proper, how to speak proper," Gaines said.The girls also practice cheerleading, do community service and get a good dose of self-esteem."They can't say, 'I can't.' That's a no-no in this program," Gaines said.Parents pay $500 to send their daughters to the camp, but that is not enough."Some of the parents have talked about paying more for tuition, but as you know, with the economy most parents can't afford to pay more than they are right now," parent Carlotta King said.The Seekers of Knowledge Camp is $2,500 in the red and is set to close in 10 days.
Cash-Strapped Camp Could Close NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported that the camp, located on Blue Hill Avenue, has run out of money."The constable just dropped off an eviction notice," said camp director Cynthia Gaines.Since 1999, Gaines has been director of Seekers of Knowledge, a camp that was first started by her mother in a church back in North Carolina."They seek knowledge in every area. We have etiquette classes. This is actually etiquette week. I teach them how to sit in restaurants, how to sit proper, how to speak proper," Gaines said.The girls also practice cheerleading, do community service and get a good dose of self-esteem."They can't say, 'I can't.' That's a no-no in this program," Gaines said.Parents pay $500 to send their daughters to the camp, but that is not enough."Some of the parents have talked about paying more for tuition, but as you know, with the economy most parents can't afford to pay more than they are right now," parent Carlotta King said.The Seekers of Knowledge Camp is $2,500 in the red and is set to close in 10 days.Copyright 2009 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
