Camp Quality Names Freehold Resident As New Executive Director

Photo: (L. to R.) are: John McGeehan, community relations coordinator, CentraState Medical Center; Kaitlin DeGenarro, volunteer coordinator, CQNJ; Sharon Goldman, former executive director, CQNJ; Al Passy, executive director, CQNJ; and Keith Grady, executive director, Applewood.

Camp Quality New Jersey, (CQNJ) the non-profit organization providing free sleep-away camping experiences and year-round activities for children with cancer, introduced its new Executive Director, Al Passy, at its annual Thanksgiving weekend reunion of campers, parents and volunteers.

Passy, a resident of Freehold Township, is a veteran camp administrator whose experience includes serving as Director of Camp NYDA for the NY Diabetes Association and another 10 years directing private camp programs. Earlier in his career, he was a teacher and guidance counselor for 39 years in New York City and Bedminster, N.J.

“I am truly excited about being Executive Director of Camp Quality New Jersey because of the outstanding programs and services that the camp has provided over the last 11 years to children with cancer,” said Passy. “I have never seen such a devoted group of companions and volunteers who work throughout the year for these children and provide them with an experience in keeping with the organization’s credo of ‘Letting kids with cancer be kids again.’ My goal is to expand the amount of campers so more children will be able to attend this worthwhile summer camp and be involved in its diversified programs throughout the year.”

Passy takes over for Executive Director Sharon Goldman who was part of the original committee that established CQNJ in 2003. During her time with the organization, the Freehold Township resident served as Treasurer from 2003 to 2010, as arts and crafts coordinator at the summer camps from 2004 to 2010, and as Co-Director with Jane Vaughn from 2010 to 2013, before being named Executive Director in 2013. She will remain a member of the CQNJ Executive Committee as Director Emeritus.

Over 100 current and former campers as well as parents and volunteers gathered for CQNJ’s annual reunion held this year at Applewood, a senior independent living community in Freehold Township. Campers and their families joined volunteers for a fun-filled afternoon of dancing, games, a full sit-down meal, and the annual slide show presentation of scenes from this past summer’s camp.

CQNJ officials also presented plaques to express their appreciation to primary corporate sponsors CentraState Medical Center and Applewood. Additionally, Goldman was honored for her years of service with a plaque from national organization Camp Quality USA and with a photo quilt from CQNJ featuring annual full-group photos from several years of her tenure.

About Quality New Jersey

Based Adelphia, N.J., Camp Quality New Jersey is a volunteer-driven, community-funded non-profit organization that provides free camping experiences and year-round support programs for children with cancer and their families. Offered at no cost, Camp Quality New Jersey’s programs are designed to foster the building of new friendships, emotional strength, and life skills in a stress free environment. Summer camp is held for one week at a fully-equipped sleep-away camp in rural Sussex County, with additional support programs throughout the year, such as reunions and family outings. During their stay, each camper is assigned their own companion and is able to participate in a full-range of activities from morning to night, all in keeping with the organization’s credo of “Letting kids with cancer be kids again.” The New Jersey group is an affiliate of Camp Quality USA. To learn more or to donate, visit: www.campqualityusa.org/nj.