Child Protection United States Project #57443

Support our Foster Youth

by Camp Horizon

Project Report | Jun 19, 2023
Thank you for your support!

By Tonya Ferguson | Executive Director

This year, we have been focused on engaging our youth in unique ways, addressing some of the psychological challenges they may have experienced and further developing their leadership and self-sufficiency skills. Overcoming the effects of childhood abuse is a life-long process, but Camp Horizon’s one to one volunteer matching summer camp program, intentional life skills lessons, loyal volunteers, and family-like environment, help our youth consistently beat the dismal odds.

Youth and families, self-report, they feel "very supported and loved" by Camp Horizon. Youth state the environment of Camp has been a positive factor in their life and want to remain connected with the Camp. They were exposed to opportunities and individuals that they wouldn't have been able to experience without Camp Horizon. Additionally, they report improved behavior at home and school, received the skills needed to be successful and better able to handle emotions.

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Feb 23, 2023
Thank you for your support!

By Tonya Ferguson | Executive Director

Camp Horizon, Inc turned 40 in 2022. We celebrate 40 years of summer camp and many other exciting times! We also celebrated a new chapter of Camp Horizon by updating our mission statement to more accurately reflect our work.

Mission Statement
Through our pillars of empowerment, community, adventure, and access, Camp Horizon serves youth and families impacted by foster care in the metro Atlanta area, restoring hope and dignity to end the cycle of abuse and neglect.
Pillars
Empowerment: Provide psychosocial supports increasing resiliency
Community: Connect youth, families and volunteers, building responsibility
Adventure: Expose youth to new experiences
Access: Provide programs at no-cost to participants

We’re driven by a shared goal of investing in our community's future. Our organization, sponsors, and volunteers unite to enrich the lives of the bruised and broken-hearted. Without our volunteers and supporters such as you, our mission wouldn't be possible.

Here are a few stories from volunteers and youth about the ways Camp Horizon has impacted them:

Encouraged by a friend, Justine decided to volunteer as a counselor at Camp Horizon in 1997. She has been a part of our organization ever since. Her dedication represents our volunteers’ compassion and is invaluable to our cause. “I have never been with one organization this long,” she says, “and it is because of an instant feeling of family. Even as volunteers ebb and flow, and youth come and go, it is a safe place when you need it.”

"It gives me an opportunity to positively impact kids worthy of love and support that don't always get it from their home environments. Without knowing what it is like to grow up in the foster care system and experience neglect of any kind, Camp Horizon offers me a way to show empathy through action."

When you volunteer, you’re doing more than driving the mission of our organization. You’re joining a family that is dedicated to the enrichment of youth and families.

“With Camp Horizon, I had the chance to experience zip lining, rock climbing, etc., which was different for me because I never had access to certain materials, and they made it possible for me. They helped me realize that the world is way bigger than what I’d been experiencing.”

Because of your support, you made these experiences possible ~ you helped make memories that last a lifetime.

Links:

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