Where Campfire Sparks Meet Personal Growth: Why Summer Camp Still Matters

As the sun stretches a little longer each evening and the scent of pine and sunscreen starts to fill our imaginations, we can’t help but feel it—camp season is almost here. For many of us, this time of year stirs something deep in our hearts. We remember what it meant to be “camp kids”—the songs, the hikes, the lifelong friendships. But it was more than fun. It was formative.

Studies continue to affirm what we’ve known intuitively all along: camp builds better humans. According to the American Camp Association, campers report increases in social-emotional learning, confidence, independence, and resilience. One 2023 article from Psychology Today even linked camp participation with long-term improvements in mental health, noting that time outdoors, unplugged from screens and stress, boosts emotional regulation and reduces anxiety.

And while society has evolved, the need for these safe and supportive spaces has only grown. Today’s youth face immense pressures from academics, technology, and global uncertainty. At camp, they rediscover joy in simplicity. They build grit by climbing the ropes course and empathy during late-night cabin chats. They grow—not just taller, but into more well-rounded individuals.

Reference Article: "Why Summer Camp May Be More Important Than Ever for Kids’ Mental Health" – Psychology Today

The Key Foundation exists to ensure every child, regardless of background, can access this magic. As we prepare for another unforgettable season, we remain committed to providing camperships, leadership training, and access to the outdoors for children who need it most. Because once a camp kid, always a camp kid—and every child deserves that chance.

Want to help us light up a life this summer? [Donate here].