CAMP BLODGETT

Residential Summer Camp: 354 children ages 8-13 attended one of six 5-day sessions. 79% of those campers paid $40 or less to attend. Children took part in enrichment activities including educational workshops, swimming, biking, hiking, archery, adventure course activities, reading, arts and crafts and much more. Goals of the camp are both short- and long-term. Youth served will initially have a safe and constructive place to spend a week; they will learn life skills such as positive decision-making and social behavior; and they will have an awareness of their own abilities and assets. In the longer term, participants will have increased self-esteem, will have increased respect for others, and will demonstrate improvements in school such as better grades and attendance. Off-season use of the camp facility included 59 individual, business, church, and school groups.

Camp Blodgett STEM Academy: 33 children entering 5th through 8th grades attended this 4-week summer program. Participants had three hours of academics (focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math) taught using experiential, hands-on involvement and innovative methods. For the remainder of the day, participants enjoyed traditional camp activities such as swimming, archery, and workshops. The goal of STEM Academy is to provide vulnerable children with the opportunity to reverse the effects of summer learning loss and realize academic achievement. Year-round STEM programming for 109 participants included STEM Squad Saturdays, after-school partnerships with local school districts, and a robotics club; all of which feature STEM activities that are skill-building and fun.