Bank contributes $5,000 to girl scouts

MONTEBELLO — The Provident Bank Charitable Foundation has contributed $5,000 to the Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council to aid the organization’s Summer Camperships for Inner City and Rural Poor program. The program, now in its eighth year, will offer a week-long summer camp for 80 girls from financially challenged families in the cities of Newburgh, Middletown, and Port Jervis. The selected girls will spend one week at Camp Birch Ridge in Otisville under the guidance of trained adults, with a program of camping, outdoor skills, swimming, games, nature study, crafts and other activities. Girls are recommended for the program through school nurses and social workers, or other individuals who are aware that a girl is unable to attend camp without financial assistance. The program’s goal is to emphasize cooperation and self-respect. “The Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council has been an integral part of our community for many years now,” said George Strayton, president and chief executive officer of Provident Bank. “The summer campership program offers less fortunate girls in our community a fresh and unique opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities that provide both fun and valuable learning experiences.” Girl Scouts is dedicated solely to young women. The organization strives to promote an accepting and nurturing environment that builds character and develops qualities to succeed in real world situations. The Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council has been delivering programs to Orange, Sullivan and Pike counties since 1966. “The Provident Bank Charitable Foundation’s support is critical to the continuation of this program,” said Barbara Sampson, executive director of the Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council. “As other funding sources have diminished, the foundation has chosen to assist in providing for these girls during the summer months.