The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania is gearing up for its 2012 camping season. The organization’s 95-acre Camp Allegheny and Retreat Center, located along Slippery Rock Creek in Ellwood City, is readying for its summer camp program that will run June 18th thru August 8th. Each year, nearly 2,000 needy children from all over Western Pennsylvania enjoy a program that provides not only fun and excitement, but also valuable character building activities.

Accredited by the American Camping Association, Camp Allegheny and Retreat Center offers a diverse program including recreation, Christian education, nature, swimming, arts and crafts, archery, hiking and much more. For many of these campers, The Salvation Army provides their only chance of a summer vacation experience. “In today’s challenging economy, summer camp is a distant dream for many children,” said Major Dean Satterlee, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Youth and Candidate's Secretary. “But, because of the kindness of countless donors, The Salvation Army can help make that dream come true.”

A seasonal food service program and full complement of staff provides three healthy meals each day. Through a contract with the Department of Education Summer Food Service Program, free meals are provided to eligible children during all camping sessions. This federally funded Summer Food Service Program provides approximately 9% of the total Camp Allegheny and Retreat Center operating budget, which helps keep the costs at a minimum for those attending. Meals are provided regardless of race, color, national origin, gender or handicap. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA-related activity should contact the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.

All children from households that receive food assistance through the DPA Pennsylvania ACCESS Card Program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are eligible. The family size and income guidelines for free and reduced priced meals are as follows: one family member, with a household income of up to $20,147; two family members, up to $27,214; three family members, up to $34,281; four family members, up to $41,348; five family members, up to $48,415; six family members, up to $55,482; seven family members, up to $62,549; eight family members, up to $69,616; and each additional family member over eight, $7,067.

For information on attending Camp Allegheny and Retreat Center or sponsoring a camper, contact your local Salvation Army Worship and Service Center or the organization’s Social Services Department at 412 362-0891. Camp Allegheny and Retreat Center can also be reserved in the off season for workshops, reunions or special events. For more information, contact Jen Brown, Camp Allegheny Retreat Center Coordinator at 412-446-1512.