How we change summer
Our Approach
Change Summer partners with high-functioning school organizations to extend crucial learning opportunities into the summer for students who otherwise might not have them. All young people should have the chance to experience challenges, adventures, teamwork, and personal growth during the summer months—all essential parts of our two-week, overnight camp experience for students entering grades 4–9.
Change Summer provides a welcoming environment for all campers. Our camps are led by diverse, competent, and conscious teams that are dedicated to promoting inclusivity and encouraging campers to learn about themselves as they experience life away from home and continue to evolve into young leaders.
Our camps provide a welcoming environment for all students. Taking place at both universities and traditional camp sites, our programs offer campers the opportunity to experience independence, step outside their comfort zones, and take on new responsibilities, all while building lasting friendships in a supportive and enriching environment.
Our ultimate goal is to provide an enjoyable, exciting summer experience that motivates our campers to approach the future with confidence, curiosity, independence, and responsibility—skills that are essential to college and life success.
Campers develop critical skills
By the end of summer, all campers demonstrate improvements in all four of our critical social-emotional domains—confidence, curiosity, independence, and responsibility—and a large majority of campers agree that program activities are fun and engaging.
“I like seeing my friends, and they help me find a way through any problems. I had a lot of fun at camp. The activities are wonderful!” –Camp KIPP DC Camper
Families access safe and enriching summer opportunities
Ninety percent of families feel the Change Summer camp experience benefits their child.
“It’s rare for me to find a program that’s affordable, and my child had a wonderful experience. She didn’t want to attend, and now she cannot wait to go back! The forever friendships she built with students and camp counselors were amazing.” –Camp Canopy Family Member
Team members support campers and become stronger leaders
When asked, 85% of camp team members said they feel connected to the mission of their camp and Change Summer.
“Camp is an amazing place. When leaving, I felt like I was leaving a part of me behind. I can’t wait to build on my leadership skills next summer and be the change I want to see in the world at Camp Beyond.” –Camp Beyond Team Member
Campers do better in school
As compared to a control group of non-campers, Change Summer campers have better academic averages and attendance rates than non-campers.
“AF Camp is a safe space where everyone can have fun and learn new things about themselves that they can bring into their lives outside of camp.” –AF Camp Camper
Campers are better prepared for college
As compared to a control group of non-campers, Change Summer campers have higher SAT scores and college matriculation averages than non-campers.
“At camp, we stay on college campuses. This helped me feel comfortable in new places, especially when I left home for college. I’m usually shy, but camp made me more confident and independent by providing an environment that accepts me for who I am.” –Camp Uncommon Camper
Transformative summer experiences
Providing our campers with a variety of engaging activities, intentional social-emotional programming, a dedicated team of role models, and the chance to live on a college campus well before they submit their first application leads to long-lasting impacts on their pathway to college and career success.
Every young person deserves access to transformative summer experiences, and we must continue to provide this opportunity to those who need it the most.