Britt Leoni
•7/29/2026
Every year, in the heart of Moore Haven, between rounds of double dutch and games of hoops, dozens of kids gather for summer camp. And every year, dozens of kids leave camp hungry for more. "I'm making a difference in these kids' lives in little Glades County," said the woman who runs this camp, Rashonda Croskey. Croskey is a teacher and city councilwoman for Moore Haven. Thanks to community donations, she runs her camp, "Croskey Kidz Camp," for free. "You see kids walk by you, they might have holes in their shoes, they might have clothes that are really too small for them," said Croskey. She started the camp in 2020, after her dad, Donald, passed away. "Before he died, he was riding around neighborhoods, picking up just kids like, 'hey let's go to choir practice," said Croskey. "We took in so many people, my mom and dad took kids into our home. They weren't bad kids at all. They just had a heart for kids." Today, Croskey gifts these kids experiences they otherwise wouldn't have. This year, all 150 of her campers were given a free trip to Busch Gardens. "When they're older, they'll remember that they made memories here," said Croskey. "I gave him a safe place to come during the summer. He could have been out in the streets doing who knows what." Croskey's heart for service bleeds into her life mission, to show every kid in Glades County that they matter. "I hope that they would take back that they are loved," said Croskey. "They assure me that I'm making a difference in these kids' lives, and they just give me the strength to keep going. If I can save one at a time, that's what I will do." You can learn more about Croskey Kidz Camp on its Facebook page here. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
