picked up about 30 kids and many of their parents as well from a shelter here in staten island and took them to gateway academy. kids from ages four to 16 share their stories, do sing alongs, arts and crafts, and burn off their energy. parents can either participate in camp activities or run errands, talk to insurance companies and find more permanent places for their kids to sleep at night. >> short-term, i think it's giving parents respite, letting parents know they can rebuild their lives and their kids are in good hands. i think long-term, it's teaching kids that there is hope and you can rebuild yourself from the inside out and strength. these kids have got a lot of courage and a -- they're heros to the form. what they've been through, i could never go through, especially this time of year. >> yeah, this time, this holiday season. evacuees are participate not guilty camp sandy and they say this time of -- kind of entertainment and fellowship is a much needed break from cramped shelter living. >> it's fun! >> it's fun!