From Expansion to Endurance: How Rolling River Continued to Grow
Forever Expanding
Rolling River continued to serve as a premium summer camp experience for Long Island children. The Rolling River leadership team invested greatly in upgrading the facility and expanding the camp program. Numerous additions were built for Pebble Playground and new activities were added such as Fitness Fun and Gaga. Rolling River also launched the Ben Appelbaum Scholarship Program to provide local children in financial or situational need with aid toward camp tuition. During the summer of 2002, Rolling River provided much needed financial aid to the children and staff affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks.
20 Years Down
In 2010, Rhonda and Mark’s children joined the Supervisory Team to begin the next generation of Goodman family leadership. Marissa, Ali and Jon brought their own skills in business, early childhood learning and physical education to build upon their parents’ groundwork. In 2012, Rolling River celebrated the 20th season with anniversary events, memorable activities and special guests. To commemorate the milestone year, Rolling River was featured on the nationally syndicated tv show, “Cake Boss”, where Buddy Valestro presented Rhonda and Mark with an intricate camp replica cake.
Not even a Super Storm could stop us!
After the high of the 20th camp season, Rolling River faced an incredibly challenging few years. In October 2012, the campus took a direct hit from Superstorm Sandy. The campus and the surrounding neighborhoods were inundated with flood waters. Although this caused immense destruction, camp leadership knew the importance of opening and providing a safe haven for the campers and staff. It took months to rebuild for the 2013 season but opening day occurred as scheduled in June. Rolling River came out stronger and the facility was upgraded to withstand more ever-present storms.
