OUR CORE IMPACT
- 95% of Campers Learn to Swim
o Campers swim twice a day—once for instruction and once for fun!
o Learning to swim promotes water safety and offers opportunities for fun, fitness,
and even employment.
- 100% of Campers Learn to Ride a Bike
o We teach bike riding in a safe, effective, and affordable way, regardless of the
child’s skill level.
o A large fleet of bikes and helmets in various sizes ensures every camper can
participate.
- 100% of Campers Learn to Operate a Kayak or Boat
o Kayaking builds confidence, fosters a love for nature, and is one of the safest and
most popular water sports.
- 100% of Campers Learn to Fish
o Fishing teaches patience, resilience, and perseverance as children learn to wait
and handle disappointment.
- Teen Adventure Program (13-14 Year Old)
o Teens develop self-confidence, leadership skills, teamwork, and an appreciation
for nature through hands-on experiences.
ABOUT COLLEGE SETTLEMENT
- Over 100 Years of Impact
o We’ve provided transformative summer camps, day camps, and outdoor school
experiences for underserved youth in the Philadelphia region.
- Trauma-Informed Approach
o We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment
that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma. Our programs are
designed to foster healing, build resilience, and support emotional well-being,
ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.
- Inclusive Nature-Based Environment
o Our programs foster confidence, leadership skills, social-emotional growth, and a
lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
- Partnership with Local Schools & Community Organizations
o Collaborating with the School District of Philadelphia and local
community-based organizations, we serve low-income students with
enriching outdoor experiences.
- Proven Results
o Our camp programs serve over 700 children annually, with 80% receiving
financial assistance.
o Post-camp surveys show 95% of campers report increased resilience, and 90%
express a greater appreciation for the outdoors.
- Diverse Community
o 80% of our campers identify as racial or ethnic minorities,
including Black/African American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and
multiracial children.
- Camp-School Partnership Model
o Direct collaboration with schools and community organizations to ensure
equitable access for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity for
outdoor learning.
- Social-Emotional Learning & Academic Integration
o Our curriculum complements school-year learning by linking social-emotional
skills with academic concepts through hands-on outdoor activities.
STAFF & LEADERSHIP
- 100% of Our Counselors in Training (CIT’s) Were Campers
o Former campers, ages 15-17, explore staff roles and develop leadership skills
through our CIT program.
- 90% of Our Junior Counselors Attend College
o Camp counselors gain valuable skills that complement their academic studies in
fields like education, child care, and environmental sciences.
- 60% of Our Full-Time Staff Served as Counselors
o Our staff brings key skills developed as counselors, including responsibility,
people management, and teamwork.
- 20% of Our Board Members Were Campers at College Settlement
o Board members bring valuable insights from their personal experience as
campers to help guide the camp's success.