MONTCLAIR GRASS ROOTS
The Camp That Raised a Community
A Documentary Film
Montclair, New Jersey
More Than a Summer Camp
For generations of children growing up in Montclair, New Jersey, Grass Roots was more than a place to spend the summer.
It was a place to discover new interests, build confidence, make lifelong friendships, and experience the joy of belonging to a community.
Founded by Wally and Celine Choice, Grass Roots became a beloved Montclair institution, offering children memorable summer experiences through sports, recreation, creative activities, field trips, and opportunities to explore the world around them.
For many young people, Grass Roots also provided their first paying job. Working as counselors and staff members, they learned responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and the importance of giving back.
Decades later, former campers and employees still approach Celine Choice around Montclair
to thank her for the opportunities and memories Grass Roots provided.
The camp's influence continues through three generations of families whose lives were touched by the Grass Roots experience.
The Documentary
Montclair Grass Roots: The Camp That Raised a Community tells the story of a New Jersey summer camp
whose influence reached far beyond its summer activities.
Through rare archival photographs, personal recollections, and interviews with former campers, staff members, and community leaders, the documentary explores how Grass Roots helped shape generations of young lives.
Filming began in 2018, capturing stories from individuals whose experiences at Grass Roots remain an important part of their personal histories.
From childhood friendships and unforgettable summer adventures to first jobs and lasting community connections, these stories reveal how a summer camp became part of the fabric of Montclair.
Your Grass Roots Story Deserves to Be Told
Were You a Grass Roots Camper, Counselor, or Staff Member?
For generations, Grass Roots was part of growing up in Montclair. Now we're bringing those memories to life in a documentary,
and we'd love to hear yours!
Were you a camper who made lifelong friends? A counselor who got your first job at Grass Roots?
A parent who watched your children grow through their camp experiences?
Perhaps you have a funny story, an unforgettable adventure, or a memory of Wally and Celine Choice
that has stayed with you through the years.
We want to hear from you!
We're inviting former campers, counselors, staff members, and families to sign up for an
opportunity to be interviewed for Montclair Grass Roots: The Camp That Raised a Community.
Your memories could help preserve an important part of Montclair's history for generations to come.