The Camel Caravan, a 40 foot Class A RV motor coach, made a stop at Northeast Middle School Thursday morning donating over 200 “Camel Paks” full of school supplies for students.
The Camel Project is a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting communities, including schools, organizations, and individuals to change the culture of violent and unacceptable behaviors that result in trauma and abuse.
Pam Gockley, Executive Director of the Camel Project, hopes the Camel Paks can make a positive influence on students. Each backpack includes various school supplies, folders, pencils, notebooks, and positive messages.
“It is amazing the support and the number of volunteers that we had from our community” said Gockley while unloading boxes of backpacks from the RV.
In addition to school supplies, Gockley also donated masks and 75 copies of her book to read to students, Not All Camels Are In the Desert, which encourages readers to learn how to build self-awareness and find their real, authentic self.
“Anytime you’re able to bring an outside organization and school together, it’s a wonderful thing, particularly when it’s about anti-bullying” said Northeast Middle School Principle, Alex Brown.
“It’s great to have these resources available to the kids when they are full of messages of positivity and support that the kids need in this time. This is heartwarming and very much appreciated on our end.”
This is the first stop of many for the Camel Caravan. Next week, Gockley says she will be delivering more backpacks to Southern Middle School and Big Brothers and Big Sisters.