There's something almost magical about summer camp. When kids get a chance to take a fun and supportive break from their regular lives, it can open up their whole worldview and sense of self.

That's what happened for Horton's Kids  participant Lanae this summer. During the school year, fifth-grader Lana e could be pretty quiet. But at camp, she came out of her shell. Leading chants and songs, performing in the talent show, making tons of friends -- she did it all! And we're most excited to see the confidence she gained at camp continue to grow now that she's back home .

Lanae (R) at camp with fellow Horton's Kids participant Sha'Terra (L). Horton's Kids sends children to camp as part of our youth development programming, which helps kids develop positive character strengths.

Stories like Lanae's are why Horton's Kids sends children to camp each summer. We know that camp can be more than just a change of pace for our participants. Camp means new experiences kids might not have access to at home, and new friends from all around the world. Plus, going to camp makes it easier for children to imagine leaving home and going to college.

Summer camp is a team effort. We're so grateful for our camp partnerships and the generous donors who contributed camp gear and helped cover camp costs. Like we saw with Lanae, the impact of your support will last well beyond camp. 

Thank you for supporting Horton's Kids and making sure children like Lanae have the resources and opportunities to be their fullest selves.

Thank you to our summer camp partners!: CityKids Camp at Broken Arrow Ranch * Echo Hill Camp * Camp Greenwood Trails * Camp Horizons * Shiloh Quaker Camp/STRIDE Group * YMCA Camps Dudley and Kiniya 

Thank you to our Adopt-A-Camper donors!: Anne Kalmer Cainion * Ben and Amy Chew * Chad Goldberg * Paul and Averi Kidwell * Koki and Associates * Maggie Lyons * Corrie Mallery * Laura and Rob Meisnere * Jane Paul * Tara Rife and colleagues at the Army Marketing and Research Group * Katie Schwartz

Horton's Kids empowers children living in one of Washington, DC's most under-resourced communities so that they can graduate high school ready for success in college, career, and life.  The children we serve live in a community with one of the highest rates of violent crime in DC, where the average family income is less than $10,000 per year. Horton's Kids operates a safe and welcoming Community Resource Center just steps from where the children live.