Rep. Hoyer Presents $100,000 in Federal Funds to YMCA Camp Letts Residential Camp

EDGEWATER - Congressman Steny Hoyer today visited YMCA Camp Letts Residential Camp to present them with $100,000 in funds that he secured in a major federal funding bill passed by Congress in late January. Rep. Hoyer was joined by Scott Peckins, Vice President and Executive Director of YMCA Camp Letts and Metropolitan Washington YMCA President Angie Reese-Hawkins, as well as volunteers from Camp Letts. Congressman Hoyer released the following statement following his visit.

"It is an honor to be here today at YMCA Camp Letts, where nearly 100,000 children and families from the greater Washington area have participated in activities ranging from horseback riding to guitar lessons to martial arts to water skiing for almost a century.

"But the experience here is about much more than participating in recreational activities or getting to experience the outdoors in a fun and exciting way.

"The young people who have visited YMCA Camp Letts over the years have learned how to set and achieve goals, developed new skills and a sense of self-confidence, and learned how to accept responsibilities and expectations being placed upon them. And, they take away life-long memories and friendships.

"YMCA Camp Letts is also about ensuring expanded access to the educational, emotional and physical growth that comes from participating in these activities. Last year, YMCA Camp Letts provided almost $300,000 in scholarships to young people who would not otherwise have been able to attend camp.

"They also had 14 homeless children from Sarah's House attend camp here last year, as well as 27 children from the Epilepsy Foundation.

"So it was an easy decision for me to get involved last year when Jed Sommer visited my office and asked for assistance in making infrastructure improvements and capital investments to this facility, which has become such an important part of this community.

"I understand this money will be used to specifically begin the process of moving the camp from its current, outdated septic system and connecting the camp to the Mayo Waste Management Plant.

"It is my hope that through these funds, and getting this process underway, we have helped to ensure that YMCA Camp Letts continues providing recreational and educational opportunities for Maryland children and families for at least the next 100 years."

Founded in 1906, YMCA Camp Letts is the area's oldest residential camp. This funding will help YMCA Camp Letts replace its sewer pumping system, which is badly in need of repair, and align it with the Mayo Waste Management Plant.

The camp is located in Edgewater, Maryland, just minutes from downtown Annapolis, on 219 acres. Since its founding, YMCA Camp Letts has served more than 90,000 children and their families. Children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds attend the camp. The YMCA provides scholarships annually to children in need and regularly hosts children who are homeless. Last year, YMCA Camp Letts provided more than $300,000 in financial assistance.

YMCA Camp Letts is part of a large regional association, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, which is the 15th largest YMCA in North America. The association operates more than 20 branches and program centers in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. In addition, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is the largest nonprofit child care provider in the region. The organization is open to people of all ages, faiths, races, and cultural backgrounds.

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