Garden State C.O.P.S. kids pause for a photo op (from left): Scottie Stevens,
Anthony Santucci, Sadie Santucci, Gwendolyn DiNardo, Gracie Preslar,
Ella DiNardo and Marc Anthony DiNardo.
Garden State C.O.P.S. Trustee and licensed psychologist
Jennifer Perry–who in 1980 lost her father, Port Authority of
New York and New Jersey Officer William J. Perry–has been a
counselor at the camp for more than a decade, where she facilitates these counseling sessions for the campers. According
to Perry, the sessions involve sharing photos and stories about
the campers’ fallen officers, participating in teambuilding activities and exploring ways to express feelings of grief.
“We focus on supporting the children and parents and
encouraging them to talk about their feelings,” says Perry.
“I think the most helpful thing for them is hearing that other people are going through the same thing as they are. The
participants are always supportive and encouraging of each
other, and if we think that someon