Each year, we take our fifth graders on a free, overnight camp where they have the chance to participate in physical activities, team building, and group challenges while simultaneously building lasting friendships.

They go zip lining, rock-wall climbing and swimming. They participate in archery. They get to know each other rooming together in cabins and making s’mores by the camp fire. For many of them, it’s their first time away from home overnight.

Our purpose is to not only provide fun and memorable experience during spring break but also focus on those skills and factors that help predict future success for elementary-age children. Those include developing strong social and emotional learning skills and keeping kids physically active.

Overall, our 2023 spring break camp was successful in helping our kids meet their goals while providing a fun and memorable experience. In addition,100 percent of parents said their kid liked spring break camp and 100 percent said they had new experiences there.

We are building upon this success and lessons learned to enhance the experience for spring break of 2024. And we can’t wait to welcome these soon-to-be ARF graduates back as alumni volunteers — mentors and role models for our younger kids!