Woodrock, Inc., a Philadelphia based youth service organization, ceased operations Dec 31st, 2007. Woodrock’s mission has been to promote interracial, interethnic and intercultural harmony among youth.
Since 1967, Woodrock, Inc. has touched the lives of thousands of Philadelphia’s youth through programs designed to increase tolerance and understanding. Originally conceived as a summer camp, Woodrock grew to provide year-round in school and afterschool programs by partnering with Philadelphia area schools and other nonprofit organizations such as: EducationWorks, Congreso de Latinos Unidos,Inc., and Kensington High School and Mckinnley and Adaire Middle Schools.
At Camp Woodrock, located in Pottstown, PA, in addition to the typical camp activities such as swimming, nature and arts and crafts, campers participated in activities that addressed the organization’s values and reflect its mission.
Woodrock was founded during a period of tremendous racial violence and social upheaval. Woodrock’s founding Board believed that racial harmony would be achieved if young people could overcome artificial social barriers and recognize and value the rich diversity of American society. Woodrock’s founders include: Ed Espen, Val Udell, Jack Shephard, Dan Aaron, and Morris Goldman.
Over its history Woodrock has been recognized for its innovative and caring work with at-risk youth, and it has had major government, foundation and corporate support to continue this creative mission. Highlights include:
- 1979 Awarded a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to decrease minority isolation in Philadelphia.
- 1990 Received grants from The Pew Charitable Trusts and the William Penn Foundation for our work with Philadelphia-area youth.
- 1991 Awarded a five-year $1.5 million demonstration grant from the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to implement the Youth Development Project. This project’s goal was to reduce drug and alcohol use among youth 9 to 13. 1996, The Youth Development Project demonstrated notable success in the focal areas of race relations, self-esteem and controlling aggression, and drug use prevention.
- ·1998,CoreStates pledged $150,000 to Woodrock establishing “The Woodrock Core Endowment Fund.”
- 2002, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides$400,000 over two years to support further development of the Peacemakers Youth Development Program and Collaborative.
Woodrock closes its doors knowing that its programs had a profound impact on young people’s lives. Other local nonprofit organizations have been drawn to Woodrock’s mission and now offer similar programs (including summer camp); a list of alternative camping options and other services appears in the sidebar.
Woodrock's board of directors wishes to acknowledge and thank the hundreds of people and organizations who have contributed their time, energy and resources to Woodrock’s success.
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