This past March, Camptown hosted its 4th annual Trivia Night and it did not disappoint! On top of a fun evening of questions, dancing, and rock-paper-scissors tournaments, our event raised $24,500 for Camptown’s Youth Leaders!
In this blog, we’ll tell two stories from our Youth Leaders, which not only highlight the unique journeys of Camptown’s kids, but also demonstrate the impact of our outdoor adventures.
A Family Affair (Jamori & Serenti)
Our first Youth Leaders journey actually begins with our Flourishing Families program. One of our newest additions, Flourishing Families has given us a way to build deeper, more frequent connections with Camptown’s kids and their families — including Jamori and his sister, Serenti.
An 5th grade student, Jamori has been heavily involved with Camptown for two years. He loves nature and telling stories, and has grown tremendously in his time with us. So much so, that we’ve been looking forward to him joining Youth Leaders next year when he enters middle school.
In January, Jamori attended a combined Flourishing Families and Youth Leaders event, joined by his mother, baby sister, and older sister, Serenti.
Serenti did not sneak by the event unnoticed. By evening’s end, the high school student had made multiple points of contact. She spoke with our Executive Director, Brent Freeman, around the campfire, who introduced her to the idea of Youth Leaders. Later, she was befriended by Ada, the daughter of our VP of Programs and Operations, Whitney Carriger. Then, Serenti met two of our Program Managers, Maggie and Emily, who invited her to return to Camptown the next day to join their Youth Leaders retreat.
Needless to say, Sereniti had a great weekend. So much so that she returned for the Youth Leaders field trip in February.
Both Serenti and Jamori have flourished in their time with Camptown. The great outdoors have proven to be the perfect classroom for personal growth and building friendship. As members of our community, we’re proudly setting the siblings up with a mentor to further help them navigate life, school, family, and faith.
We are beyond grateful for the siblings, their mother, and their baby sister.
Camptown Youth Leaders enjoying their time at Indiana Dunes National Parks.
Nothing Comes Easy (Katelyn)
For Katelyn, nothing memorable or important comes without challenge. EVER.
She was reminded of this on a tough trip through the Indiana Dunes National Park, where hikers have to constantly deal with sand and uneven footing throughout their trek:
“It’s hard to walk on, and it gets between your toes.”
Regardless of the journey’s challenges, Katelyn still found it to be her favorite trip. Why? Because, according to her, she overcame obstacles that made her stronger. The trip symbolized something more than just a trip through the Dunes — it demonstrated her growing patience, her ability to adapt, and her determination as a Camptown Youth Leader.
Fresh off her experience, she now feels that outdoor adventures provide important lessons for all of us. From embracing the thrills of adventure on the trails to delighting in simple joys like throwing snowballs at her brothers, Katelyn has found what matters most: fun, fulfillment, and purpose.
What is that to her? In her own words, “The most important thing is seeing the world you live in and trying to fix it.”
Support Our Youth Leaders
Developing leaders through the outdoors is something Camptown does best!
Our Youth Leaders program is a series of outdoor adventures with progressive intensity, open to 6th through 12th graders. Each adventure offers skill development opportunities integrated into fun activities. Youth Leaders take one or more trips a month to various local and regional locations that are fully accessible to adventurers of most skill levels.
If you’re interested in supporting our Youth Leaders, please consider making a one-time gift! Our next adventure awaits!