To provide an affordable, high quality, enriching summer camp experience to families who would not otherwise consider overnight summer camp a possibility for their child/children.
A/ Keep expense to families as low as possible
B/ Provide robust financial assistance to families that apply
C/ Collaborate with variety of Community partners to reach families in communities that would not otherwise have access to overnight summer camp
To provide opportunities that stimulate the development of each camper’s interests and values by offering intentional, challenging, and rewarding programming
A/ Challenge by choice philosophy at camp – everyone is encouraged
B/ Create opportunities every other day for campers to choose a new activity or to participate in an activity that they really enjoyed again
C/ Create innovative, intentional programming that encourages campers to try something new, challenge themselves and ignite passions
To provide daily opportunities that help all campers appreciate their natural surroundings and to participate, in their own way, in the outdoors
A/ According to our challenge by choice philosophy, provide safe, progressive programming that encourages campers to create a relationship with nature that feels right for them
B/ After each activity, campers and staff debrief what they felt, how it went, what could have been better, what they want to try next time
C/ Provide programs that give campers the chance to develop a passion that they can continue when not at camp ie: hiking, birdwatching, gardening, animal care, Witherbee backpacking etc
To create a safe and inclusive community where campers and staff feel safe and encouraged to practice being the best version of themselves
A/ Every cabin group creates a cabin manifesto/goals and upholds them throughout their time at camp
B/ Campers participate, daily, in community circles with their cabin group
C/ Staff are trained in behavior management techniques based in Trauma informed care and Restorative Justice
D/ All campers know which Camper Care Coordinators and Directors are available anytime campers feel that their cabin mates or camp counselors are not able to provide them with a safe and inclusive environment
To provide support and encouragement to all campers and staff when they make mistakes on the way to discovering the best version of themselves
To provide opportunities for campers and staff to set goals and challenge themselves while discovering their individual skills and abilities.
To create space for all campers and staff to feel that they belong in the camp community so that they can return year after year and remain involved in the future
To provide campers and staff opportunities to strive for and reach their fullest potential in the camp community and their home communities
To provide all campers with opportunities for college access through the JBBBSLA College Access and Success program, including access to college scholarships