Paul “Bear” Bryant is sporting desert combat boots these days, but they were made for more than walking.
Bear is the executive camp director at Lakeville's YMCA Camp Sloane, and he isn’t taking the boots off until he raises $33,000. That is enough money to send more than 30 kids from military families to camp next month.
“It’s my fifth or sixth week of wearing them,” said Bryant.
His wife, while totally supportive of his mission, was a little worried about the boots fitting in at the fancier events they may have to attend this summer, but he thought of that too. Bear keeps a shiny pair of black “dress boots” on hand just in case.
“I figured if I put on a pair of boots like these kids’ moms and dads do everyday, the same ones they wear, it would remind me every step of the day what I’m trying to accomplish,” he said.
Camp Sloane is tucked away in the hills of Litchfield County, an ideal setting for kids who want to trade in their iPods and computer games for hardcore outdoor summer fun. It boasts activities such as horseback riding, archery, water skiing, biking, arts and crafts, drama and sailing.
“It’s such a great experience,” said camper Katie Lustig, “You are out in the woods 24/7, I’ve never been outside so much in my life.”
And the campers in tent city are buzzing about Bear and his boots.
“Sure everyone is talking about it, they are like, 'Wow, Bear is not taking off his boots until he raises this money?,'” said camper John Gregg.
Bear has not reached his goal yet, but he is optimistic he will, and swears the boots will not come off until he raises the last penny. He says despite the soaring temperatures, so far there have been no reports of any unpleasant odors coming from his well-worn boots.
“But hey, I’m the boss, I doubt anyone would tell me either way.”
One of the most touching donations came from his own camp counselors, some of whom only make $250 dollars a week. They banded together and donated more than $7,000.
“It brought a tear to my eye, “ Bear said, “Afterall, It’s all about the kids.”
To learn more about Bryant's money-raising efforts, click here.
