NOT JUST A NUMBER

Did you know there are approximately 500,000 children in foster care in the United States?  Kansas, alone, has over 7700 children in foster care.

Did you know most foster teens are at least 2 years behind Academically, Physically, Socially, Emotionally and Mentally –than those teens with a stable upbringing?

It’s disturbing, but probably not surprising, that outcomes for youth who age out of foster care are often poor. Studies show that they are at increased risk for homelessness, young parenthood, low educational attainment, high unemployment rates, and other adverse adult outcomes.

The good news is that it only takes one person to improve these odds for a young person. Now how is camp going to change all the things stacked up against them?

• Time spent in nature can improve your attention and memory
• Problem solving increases self esteem and independence, both of which are crucial components for growth.
• The American Camp Association says the great outdoors can promote honesty, trust, and respect among campers
• Camp participants get a chance to work together and solve problems with each other during activities.These shared experiences break down walls and bring people together more quickly. At camp, strangers become friends within a matter of days or hours.

Bonding over your shared skills, hobbies, and experiences made the time camp great, and possibly even transformative. That’s the principle that makes camps successful, especially programs, like Camp L.I.T. designed for children who have been exposed to traumas.