Camptown welcomes Software Engineering Professionals (SEP) to the Camptown family as a Mt. McKinley Sponsor.  SEP, an employee-owned local software product design and development company, was started in 1988 by engineers who thrived on challenging projects and continuous learning. They wanted to build a company where software engineers worked directly with clients to streamline innovation and encourage collaboration. Since then, they have become one of Indianapolis’ Largest Software Development firms building quality products to companies of all sizes throughout the world.

The new partnership with SEP and Camptown is significant.  From a financial support perspective SEP is a key contributor to the work of Camptown.  Their support helps set the base of operations and brings programs to youth regardless of their ability to pay.  “SEP employees have already rolled up their sleeves, put on their shorts, and come out to help at one of our Natural Wonders Day Camps.  We look forward to this partnership and working together to help youth right here in Central Indiana”, said Don Schafer, Executive Director with Camptown.

The youth that will benefit from this grant include inner city elementary students, middle school students, and special needs students.  Camptown introduces area youth to the outdoors who might not get the opportunity to connect with nature.  The typical participant is 8-18 years old, lives in a single-parent household, with income below the poverty level.  Programming is paid for through support such as the SEP partnership and makes an impact that is felt by the entire community.

Since 1991, Camptown has been leading youth to a better path by providing outdoor adventures and nature programs that challenge, mentor, and teach youth about nature and life.

Each year volunteers help us bring nature to hundreds of inner city youth.  Our Natural Wonders Day Camps are designed to provide inner city elementary age children a one day nature experience.  Campers get to try their hand at fishing, take a nature hike, paddle a canoe, and play outdoor teambuilding games.  A Natural Wonders Day Camp provides for many of our students a once in a life time experience.  For others, it opens the door to a whole new world – a world outside, one they have not even imagined before.  One of our partners shared this last summer after their Natural Wonders Day Camp, “I truly believe that Camptown was the greatest experience the girls had.”  We need volunteers to make this happen.  No experience necessary.  Camptown staff will train you and be there to support you during the day.  We need station leaders, assistant leaders, and guides. For more information visit our Volunteer Page.

Interested in serving on a board?
Camptown is looking for Christian men and women to become board members. Help set the direction for Camptown’s growth and provide the resources needed to reach more youth.

For more information on becoming a board member at Camptown, Please visit us at https://camptown.net/volunteer-assist-camptown/

What would you do after winning $25,000? One very lucky golfer in attendance at the 11^th Annual Tom Lehman Golf Tournament fundraiser, Toby Shurden, earned the opportunity to ponder that very question after sinking a hole-in-one from the 17^th tee. [Read more…]