Parkland Victim's Legacy: Summer Camp Fund Transforms Young Lives

In the six and a half years since the tragic Parkland school shooting, the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund has emerged as a beacon of hope, sending hundreds of underprivileged children and those affected by gun violence to summer camps across the United States. This initiative, born from heartbreak, has grown exponentially, reflecting the enduring spirit of a beloved teacher and camp enthusiast.

The fund, established in memory of Scott Beigel, a geography teacher who lost his life protecting students during the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre, has expanded its reach significantly. From its modest beginnings with 54 children in 2018, the program now supports 264 young campers aged 9 to 16 across seven sleepaway camps in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

Linda Beigel Schulman, Scott's mother, emphasizes the transformative power of these camp experiences: "We want to take them out of their environment, send them to camp and let them just be kids. Let them leave their woes and their troubles and everything behind."

Summer camps have a rich history in the United States, dating back to the 1880s. The first known summer camp, The Gunnery Camp, was founded in 1861 in Washington, Connecticut. By the early 1900s, over 100 summer camps were operating across the country, leading to the establishment of the American Camp Association in 1910.

At the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, one of the camps supported by the Beigel fund, campers engage in various activities designed to build trust, overcome fears, and foster positive relationships with law enforcement. Deputy Al Hibbert, a camp counselor, notes the importance of exposing city kids to nature and different life experiences.

The impact of these camps extends beyond mere recreation. Studies have shown that summer camp experiences can improve children's social skills, boost self-confidence, and even reduce summer learning loss. For many participants, like 13-year-old Esteban Martinez, camp provides a unique opportunity to make new friends and break out of their comfort zones.

One of the most challenging and rewarding activities at the Florida camp is the high ropes course. Isa Marti, a 14-year-old camper who had previously experienced a traumatic incident involving a gun threat, found the courage to conquer her fear of heights with the encouragement of her fellow campers.

"I kinda love this"

The Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund's success is evident in its growth and the positive changes it brings to young lives. In 2024 alone, over $360,000 was raised to cover campers' enrollment and transportation costs. The program's continuity allows children to return each summer, provided they maintain good grades and behavior.

As the summer camp season continues, the legacy of Scott Beigel lives on through the laughter and growth of hundreds of children. His mother's vision of creating a space where kids can "just be kids" has become a reality, offering hope and new perspectives to those who need it most.