Send a Child to Camp!

HARK is excited to launch its first annual Summer Camp Drive to give at-risk youth access to life-changing camp experiences. For many, summer camp is more than just a getaway—it’s a chance to experience joy, stability, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment. Camps provide enrichment through outdoor adventures, mentorship, and new friendships, offering a sense of normalcy that every child deserves.

Additionally, summer camps play a crucial role in supporting working families by providing a safe and structured childcare option when school is out. Your donation to this inaugural drive can help cover the cost of camp fees, supplies, and transportation, giving these kids the opportunity to learn, grow, and just be kids—all while providing essential support to their families.

Testimonies of real children who have been sent to camp by HARK. To maintain confidentiality, HARK does not use actual names or photos.

  • "Destiny had a WONDERFUL time at camp…she loved the whole experience. She said she had so much fun! I think the experience for her was extremely positive and helped her build her self-confidence"

    -Destiny’s Social Worker

  • "Caleb had an amazing time at camp. He seemed to have made good connections, particularly with staff that were great and supportive with him… I picked him up from camp one afternoon and he was muddy, happy and exhausted!"

    -Caleb’s Social Worker

  • "Jordan talked about this camp for weeks afterward. I picked him up from camp and he didn’t stop talking about the different activities until we reached his placement. It was a cherished experience for him."

    -Jordan’s Social Worker

  • "Zoe has had the privilege of attending 3 different times. Camp has continued to encourage her personal growth in stepping outside of her comfort zone and making new friends. Her foster family has noted that she looks forward to camp all year and hopes to continue to return if she is able."

    -Zoe’s Social Worker

“I have worked with HARK, formerly GALA, since 2017 as the Program Manager in Foster Care for HHS. My first collaboration with them was providing camp experiences for our foster youth—something our budget has never been able to cover due to high costs.

Kids love summer camp, and for many, it’s a rite of passage. When foster youth get this opportunity, the impact can be life-changing. In the summer of 2024, one timid teen attended Camp Watia through HARK’s partnership with the YMCA, which allows them to cover 100% of camp costs. He arrived shy and with few friends but left with confidence, friendships, and a sense of leadership that carried into a successful school year.

This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without HARK’s dedication to providing normal childhood experiences for foster youth. As program manager, I cannot fully express my gratitude for HARK, their mission, and their unwavering passion for these kids.”

Amber Cook, Program Manager in Foster Care for HHS & HARK Advisor

“This picture tells a story! Part of the story is of a young boy who entered foster care in December 2023 when his world was turned upside down. Despite the obstacles in his way (previous school attendance that was scattered, gaps in reading, math and speech, etc), in foster care he found family and community that he desperately needed.

But do you know when the real change occurred? When his growth accelerated? It was camps like Watia in Summer 2024! The story in the picture is one of a scared 13 year old going to summer camp for his first time and having no clue what camp was…and emerging as a confident leader! When I picked him up from Watia, he was doing bird calls and the guys in orange, from another location, would respond with the same call! He talked to the young men, respectfully, as if he was their peer. It was a tearful goodbye for all of them due to the bond that had been created.

On the way home, he told me about the final campfire ceremony, and I don’t remember the details, but he said he cried while that was happening…tears that were, no doubt, healing….

After Watia? He entered the 2024-2025 school year as a force to be reckoned with. I have seen him be a leader in the classroom and elsewhere in his school. Without a doubt, this “new” kiddo evolved out of the experiences and relationships encountered at Camp Watia.”

- Foster Parent

Give the gift of summer today! Donate now and help change a child’s life.

How much does HARK spend on camps?

HARK is serving more kids than ever and investing more in camps than ever before, dedicating over 25% of its total expenses to sending children to summer camps. This commitment ensures that more children have access to enriching and transformative experiences. Our funding supports a variety of camp options, including day camps, overnight camps, and specialized camps designed for children with special needs. Additionally, HARK allows guardians to choose specific camps that best suit their child’s interests and needs, providing flexibility and personalized support.

By making these opportunities more accessible than ever, HARK helps children build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories in a supportive and engaging environment. To continue making this impact, we rely on the generosity of donors like you. Please consider making a donation to help us send even more kids to camp, ensuring every child has the chance to experience the joy, growth, and adventure that camp provides.

“Thank you so much [to my social worker] for taking the time to work on this and thank you HARK for the generous gift! I am so excited that all four girls will get to go together this year and I know they are thankful and will love it. “

-Foster parent whose kids are going to basketball camp