Another week to remember!
What an amazing three weeks we’ve had! This week concluded our Elevate Youth summer camp. And just as the two weeks before, it will be a week never forgotten for our campers and everyone who took part. This week we were joined by Elevate Youthers from the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester. We traveled up to their new home for three days at Lantern Lights Camp in Deerfield, NH on Tuesday morning.
After being greeted with lunch, our Youthers began to experience everything that camp has to offer, starting with a swim in the lake to cool things off. Over the first two days, Elevate Youthers participated in different activities, like swimming, archery, climbing, frontier, sports, and arts and crafts. At the lake, jumping on the water trampoline was a big hit, but kayaking and paddle boards were close behind. At archery, Youthers learned new skills and cheered on their friends. At rock climbing, Youthers practiced their balance walking across a tightrope while trusting their peers to spot them. They also tried a bouldering wall and The Helix, where if Youthers were successful in making it to the top, they were rewarded with a freshly made waffle (yes, you read that right! They even had a choice of adding whipped cream!). At the Frontier, we found the lumberjacks in our group by chopping and branding wood and building a fire. Gaga ball, basketball tournaments, and an intense match of chess took place at the sports area. We got crafty by making belts, burning wood, and painting. At the end of the first two days, our Elevate Youthers spent time interacting amongst themselves and creating their own games, just as you’d expect any kids to do when they’re given ample space and reduced access to technology! Evening campfires and stories were a big hit every night.
On our last day, after experiencing all of the activities that camp had to offer, Youthers were able to explore as they wished with their buddies, doing their favorite activities. After one last meal at camp, all of the tired Elevate Youthers packed up into the van and headed back to Dorchester.
These last three weeks of camp wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and support from our amazing donors. Although camp is over, Elevate Youth is a year-round program and we are committed to continue working on our goal of sparking a lifelong love of the outdoors through equitable access and routine immersion in nature. We would love your continued support throughout the year!
