Urgent Call to Action: Donate Now to Send Kids to Camp in AZ

UPDATE: The Arizona Daily Star Sportsmen’s Fund urgently appeals for donations to support children from low-income households and active military families in Southern Arizona for summer camp scholarships. With a goal to send even more kids to camp in 2026, the fund reported receiving $272,576 in donations last year, allowing them to provide scholarships for 423 children.

The initiative focuses on enabling local youth to attend weeklong camps, including YMCA, Scouting America, and Girl Scouts, as well as specialized camps for children with special needs at Camp Tatiyee. New this year, scholarships for Flowing Wells students to attend the overnight Sky School camp on Mt. Lemmon have been introduced, with plans to expand the program further in 2026.

Each donation made to the Sportsmen’s Fund qualifies for the Arizona tax credit. Joint Arizona filers can donate up to $987 for their 2025 taxes and $1,009 for 2026 taxes, while individual filers can donate $495 and $506, respectively. Contributions made between January 1, 2026, and April 15, 2026, will count towards the 2025 tax year, making now the perfect time to contribute.

“Since 1947, the Sportsmen’s Fund has helped 44,814 children experience the joys of overnight camp,” stated Debbie Kornmiller, a Sportsmen’s Fund officer. “With 97 cents of every dollar going directly to camp scholarships, your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of local kids.”

Recent donations include significant contributions such as $2,500 from Geraldine M. Moisant and $1,000 from Barbara A. Miller, among many others. Such generosity underscores the community’s commitment to providing enriching experiences for Southern Arizona children.

In addition to traditional camps, the Sportsmen’s Fund is launching a four-day, three-night science camp at the University of Arizona Sky School atop Mt. Lemmon, targeting middle and high school students from Title 1 schools. This exciting opportunity aims to engage students in STEM education while enjoying the great outdoors.

Donations are accepted year-round, and individuals aged 70½ or older can maximize their tax savings by donating directly from their IRA accounts. This allows for a potential deduction as a Qualifying Charitable Distribution, even for those claiming the standard deduction.

Donations can be made online at azsendakidtocamp.org or by mailing checks payable to Sportsmen’s Fund, P.O. Box 16141, Tucson, AZ 85732-6141. For further inquiries, please contact Debbie Kornmiller at 520-954-3139 or via email at [email protected].

The time to act is now. Your donation can change a child’s life forever. Share this urgent call to action with your network and help spread the word!