Linda Beigel Schulman visits Camp Fiver in upstate New York, telling the kids and staff about her son, Scott J. Beigel, a teacher murdered in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This year’s goal is to provide $300,000 in grants and send 165 children to camp.
By Jill Fox
According to his mother, Scott Beigel loved camp. For over 25 summers, he attended one in Pennsylvania, first as a camper and later as a counselor.
After Beigel’s death on February 14, 2018, his family created the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund to send underserved, at-risk children touched by gun violence to sleep-away camp. The hope is to bring them positive memories and keep them out of harm’s way when they are not in school.
“We keep them safe, off of the street, and give them something to look forward to each summer,” said Scott’s mother, Linda Beigel Schulman.
The Camp Fiver Staff Lounge was dedicated in memory of Scott J. Beigel. {Photo courtesy Linda Schulman}
Currently, children, ages 7 to 16, attend one of six non-profit camps in New York, New Jersey, or Massachusetts.
“All of the camps we chose have amazing directors and staff,” said Schulman, who enjoys getting to know the children, watching them make new friends, take swimming lessons, and even get on a horse for the first time.
“It’s amazing — just heartwarming – I watch them grow year after year,” she said.
The idea is that they will continue to attend camp every summer.
“They know if they work hard and stay in school, we will keep sending them,” said Schulman.
On April 10, with the Schulmans in attendance, Parkland residents will come together for the Fifth Annual RUN 4 BEIGEL, where 100 percent of every dollar raised goes to the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund.
“Scott was a champion for the underdogs,” she said. “I know wherever he is; he is smiling ear to ear.”
Schulman is looking forward to everyone coming out and enjoying themselves in honor of Scott. This year’s goal is to give out $300,000 in grants and send 200 children to camp.
She stressed that every child the organization sends to camp knows about Scott. “Each one has a piece of Scott’s heart in them — we give these kids hope.”
The run begins at 8 a.m. at Pine Trails Park, located at 10555 Trails End; however, runners also can participate virtually through April 17.
Registration is available online for $35 until April 10 at 11:59 p.m. and in-person on the day of the event.
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