Summer camp can be transformative for all children, offering independence, confidence-building, and community beyond the walls of home or school. For kids walking through difficult life events, camp becomes even more than fun and friendship — it can be a lifeline. We saw the power of intentional camp programming at work through three organizations the JSFF is proud to support in 2025: Camp Corral (military families), Smile-A-Mile (pediatric cancer) and Camp Summit (individuals with special needs). All three have provided in credible images, anecdotes and letters testifying to life-changing experiences this summer, showcasing how a supportive environment allows participants to explore who they are outside of their circumstances, build resilience, and connect with peers who share similar experiences.
Camp Corral serves children of military families, many of whom carry the unseen burdens of deployment, injury, or loss. At Camp Corral, kids find other campers who understand that unique sacrifice, and they leave with lifelong friendships and the assurance that they are not alone.
Empowering young minds: The power of summer Camp Experience
