Camp Courant opened for the season on Monday, and fundraising done by a West Hartford boy will help defray costs of the 124-year-old camp that is free to participants.

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West Hartford teen Benjamin Margolis recently organized a fundraiser for Camp Courant as part of his Bar Mitzvah project.

As the oldest and largest free summer day camp in the nation, Hartford’s Camp Courant provides a safe, exciting and educational environment in which Hartford’s youth, ages 5 through 12, participate in active learning opportunities and fun activities focused on positive youth development and healthy lifestyle choices. Margolis chose to raise funds for Camp Courant since he has always spent his summers at camp.

“For my Bar Mitzvah project, I wanted to raise money to help children attend Camp Courant this summer because summer camp is very special to me. I want to make a difference in someone’s life and give other children the same amazing experience,” he said.

Margolis sold close to 320 golf balls at $10 each. The West Hartford Fire Department dropped all of the balls from 50 feet high and the three balls closest to the pin won a portion of the proceeds with the remaining dollars supporting Camp Courant.

“Ben is an inspiration to all young adults to give back in their communities,” said Jessica Hinman, director of Community Outreach & Special Events for Hartford’s Camp Courant. “The funds he raised today will be able to send one Hartford child to Camp for the entire summer. Ben’s contribution will ensure that one Hartford child will have the summer of a lifetime. We encourage more young adults to follow his positive example.”

Now a rising eighth-grader at King Philip Middle School, Margolis raised $1,800 in one month through social media.

“I want to thank all the people who supported me,” said Margolis. “I could not have done it without all of the donations I received from friends and family. I also want to thank the West Hartford Fire Department for bringing their truck to Wampanoag Country Club. The ball drop was awesome!”

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