Dear Friends,
The COVID-19 pandemic presented continuous challenges for all our network camps in 2021, still over 2000 children and youth were served and no child was turned away because of inability to pay. Camps For Kids serves all physically, emotionally, medically, and financially challenged children and youth in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. Prior to Covid we served over 3500 children and youth a year.
A majority, 91%, of our 22 network camps proceeded with their summer camps in 2021 either virtually or in person, continuing to make the unique experience of summer camp available to the special needs and underprivileged communities that we have served since 1981. Camp directors and staff worked to adapt to the new realities and met the unique needs of the children and youth they serve.
The value of the camping experience is especially important for the wellbeing and flourishing of disadvantaged and special needs children and youth given the compounding impact COVID-19 has on schools and education the past two year. This solidifies and reaffirms our belief about what’s truly important: family, friends, health, and the support of the community especially for those most in need.
As a result, the need for your continued funding and support is greater than ever in 2022.
A camp director noted the impact of our program.
“Without the support of Camps For Kids, CHD Families would be unable to provide a free medically supervised summer camp for kids with Congenital Heart Defects.” -Camp Director
As campers and a parent commented:
“At camp, I feel like a normal kid and can do everything a normal kid can do and make friends”. a ten-yr. old camper
“Thank you for this amazing gift. My son would never have been able to attend camp this year without your help. He learned so much and had so much fun he can’t wait for school so he can show off all his new knowledge!” – a parent
“I can see what other kids have gone through and how they survived. It helps me get through & conquer. We are all survivors. That’s a gift.” a twelve year old camper
Thank you for your gift!
You can donate directly to the Camps For Kids Campaign
We are very excited to again host one of our favorite fundraising events, Camp Out at the KC Zoo on Saturday June 18, 2022. Hope you can join us! For more information and to register, please call 816.839.6494.
Join in, and help out a camp! Email Regina Weir at: info@campsforkids.org
Ask a camp directly what support they need.
“As we expected camp has been WONDERFUL. The genuine smile on (my daughter’s) face in the pictures I took at drop off and the ones the counselors are sending me are testament to what an amazing thing you are doing. Thank you so very, very much! ”
“I can see what other kids have gone through and how they survived. It helps me get through & conquer. We are all survivors. That’s a gift.”
“When I'm at camp, I feel like a normal kid. Some kids don't get to go outside because our parents are just working too much and too hard. At home, I'm just watching movies all day. I don't want to get too old to come to Wildwood.”
“Without the support of Camps for Kids and the matching fund, CHD Families would be unable to provide a free medically supervised summer camp for kids with Congenital Heart Defects.”
“I look back on the struggle of my childhood and one of the most important and best childhood memories I have include the time spent at camp with the amazing men and women who treated me like I was normal despite my struggle”