AUSTIN, Texas — Ready, set, go! The Austin Sunshine Run is sprinting towards the finish line with a mission to make summer camp accessible to all kids, regardless of cost.
Nathan Martinez, co-chair of the Sunshine Run, and Amy Copeland from non-profit Austin Sunshine Camps visited We Are Austin to share why this event is a must-attend for families.
“The event itself has a Kid’s K a 5K, a 10K and this is Austin so we also have the Tomlinson’s Fastest Dog 5K as well,” said Martinez. The event is hosted the Young Men’s Business League, which founded Austin Sunshine Campus nearly 100 years ago.
Copeland explained the significance of the camps, saying, “The mission of Austin Sunshine Camps is to provide the magic of overnight camp without the barrier of cost.”
The camps have a rich history of offering memorable experiences to children. Since 1928 they’ve served more than 56,000 Central Texas kids. Kids who receive free or reduced lunch in school qualify for Austin Sunshine Camps and 20 percent of attendees come from the foster care system.
“40 percent of our camper families earn about $30,000 a year or less and so going to a 9-night, 10-day camp is often times not in the cards for them, so we’re able to provide that completely free of cost for these kids,” Copeland explained. Campers get to swim, hike, canoe, build new friendships and face fears on ropes courses and ziplining. For perspective, camps of this type typically cost about $1,500 per child.
This year’s Sunshine Run is on May 4 promises to be a lively event with a kid’s zone, food, drinks and music. To join the fun and support a worthy cause, people can register for the run here and help make a difference in the lives of local children.
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