Page 7 - 2019 Annual Report

Growing up in Maine, I
had countless opportunities
to spend time in nature.
With the forest as my backyard and incredible views of nature everywhere I turned, I took for granted spending meaningful time outside. Now, going on 10 years in Phoenix, I recognize that many children aren't so fortunate.
25% of Phoenix children live at or below the poverty line, This means for many local children, participating at summer camp is beyond their family's reach. In fact, many of our campers report never spending a night outside Phoenix.
Camp Colley Foundation provides underserved Phoenix children scholarships to participate at camp for positive learning and growth in nature. Environmental sustainability and important social-emotional skills for success are the focus of our adventure programming, and campers report increased self-esteem and appreciation for nature as a result of their time at Camp Colley.
While I was lucky enough to grow up immersed in nature, my family did not have the means to send me to summer camp. Luckily I was able to participate nearly every summer thanks to scholarships provided to me and my family. Those weeks spent at summer camp were formative for me. Leadership, self expression, lifelong friendships and my love for nature blossomed as a result of my participation. I know firsthand that programs like ours at Camp Colley aren't just about fun and games (and s'mores!). They are life-changing, future shaping and identity forming for each participant.
It is a dream come true to have come full circle as an adult to ensure that Phoenix children in our community have the same access to nature camp that I was awarded.
Thank you for helping to create the possibility to participate at Camp Colley for children in our community. On behalf of them, I am deeply grateful for your support.
To learn more, visit www.campcolley.org
A NOTE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RICHARD BERG
Camp Colley Foundation 2019 Annual Report
Page 07