Through the establishment of a new partnership between the Camden Football Boosters, Connected Community Schools, and the Camden Central School District, hundreds of Camden Central School District students were able to get geared up for homecoming festivities through the new “Blue Devil Packs” program.
The “Blue Devil Packs” program is a new initiative that supplies Camden Blue Devil apparel and merchandise packages to deserving students, with the idea that any student that demonstrates school spirit should have some Blue Devil gear to match. In September, CCSD staff members had the opportunity to nominate deserving students based on the following criteria:
Shows Camden Pride
Makes a positive impact on their school and community
Shows leadership
Shows kindness to others
Is a positive role model
With 350 students nominated, that left some heavy lifting in the hands of Connected’s Valarie Mudrie, and Danielle Danaher from the Camden Football Boosters. The nominees were sent forward to see what could be made from the resources generated through community sponsorships, and four local businesses stepped forward to support the boosters, and make the project a reality: Bliss Environmental, Mystic Stamp Company, International Wire, and Camden Collision.
Packs, which included a variety of Blue Devil merchandise in a branded string-cinch backpack, were distributed at the homecoming craft fair, and at the homecoming football game.
The initiative represented a great opportunity to engage students at a special time of year, and that made the decision to take part an easy one for Connected Community Schools.
“This program was worth pursuing because it allowed students to receive Camden gear, which helps foster Camden Pride,” Mudrie said.
For the Camden Football Boosters, the level of support the organization received meant everything, and the grins of the student recipients resonated beyond words.
“We’re fortunate to be a part of an amazing community that consistently supports our students and athletes,” Danaher said. “The community participation in a program like this helps them to see the power of that support firsthand.”
The hope is that this initial effort becomes a collaboration that continues well into the future.
