Happy summer! I hope you are enjoying the outdoors and taking part in some summer camp-type activities of your own. Whether that’s doing some hiking, taking a family camping trip, sailing, fishing, or just eating s’mores, hopefully your summer is going well!
I, along with ATS staff members Alyssa and Gillian, recently had the pleasure of visiting many of our associate camps. We got to see our kids in action, speak with a few of our ATS Fellows (counselors), witness the beauty of each of these amazing camp properties, meet with their inspiring directors, and see firsthand the power of the summer camp experience for the kids we serve.
We visited Wavus, Kieve, and Kawanhee in Maine, Songadeewin (our newest camp) in Vermont, and Thunderbird, Ogichi, and Kooch-i-ching in Minnesota. We also recently attended the first term final weekend festivities at Cheley Colorado Camps. Gillian will be making additional visits to Cheley and Sanborn in the next few days.
I am pleased to report that our kids are happy and healthy and fully immersing themselves in all that camp has to offer. Their smiles and laughter were infectious, and we were reminded of how lucky we are to engage in this work of changing kids’ lives through summer camp.
As we spoke with our ATS campers and Fellows on our camp visits, they told us how camp had become their home away from home. They felt welcome, comfortable, safe, and accepted for who they are. The sheer joy, the lack of stress, and the genuine connections our campers make through their shared adventures at camp will generate lifelong memories and friendships while allowing them to develop into the best versions of themselves.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us provide these powerful experiences for the kids we serve.
