FalRooney Summer Camp Honors Legacy of Michael Damato with Annual Award

Nicholas Mistretta

The final Friday of summer camp in Montgomery Township carries a special meaning for campers, counselors, and families alike. Known as Michael Damato Day, it is dedicated to remembering a boy whose love of sports, radiant smile, and strong values continue to inspire nearly two decades later.

Each year, the Michael Damato Award is presented to four campers at FalRooney Summer Camp. This year’s recipients were Avery Burkett, Luke Eisenacher, Julia Trautwein, and Blake Andrich-Viola. The award honors the qualities that Michael embodied: active participation, a love of sports, and a commitment to strong values both on and off the field.

Michael was just 12 years old, and a sixth grader at LMS, when he passed away suddenly in January 2010 from a rare cancer known as desmoplastic small round cell tumors. Later that same summer, FalRooney’s founders introduced the award in his honor.

“Michael LOVED sports. Michael was always smiling,” said his father, Ken Damato. “Today is a tough but special day.”

Michael’s mother, Karen Damato, reflected on what the award and tradition have meant to her family: “Words can’t express that even after 15 years his memory lives on through the love and kindness of John, his staff, and the campers, past and present. The words spoken about Michael were beautiful and the shirts created in his memory were so touching. I want to thank the FalRooney Camp for carrying Michael’s spirit and memory with such love and respect, and it truly comforts my and his brothers’ (David and William) hearts.”

Now in its 19th year, FalRooney Summer Camp—founded in 2006—has made the Michael Damato Award a central tradition. Each summer, the recognition serves as both a celebration of campers who reflect Michael’s spirit and a reminder of the lasting impact of his life.

As another camp season comes to a close, the award ensures that Michael’s joy, energy, and values remain woven into the heart of FalRooney, inspiring new generations of campers year after year.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com