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.
Summer Camp Results
- 94 percent of campers report feeling more confident
- 88 percent say they are better at working with others
- 90 percent demonstrate improved emotional regulation and self-awareness
- 100 percent of parents observed emotional or social growth in their child
Outdoor School Results
- 95 percent of Outdoor School participants report increased confidence
- 92 percent say they feel more connected to nature
- 89 percent demonstrate stronger collaboration and problem-solving skills
These results are especially significant for children navigating trauma, poverty, or limited access to safe, structured learning environments.
Why This Work Matters
When children have access to outdoor education and high-quality camp experiences, they return to school more resilient, more connected, and better prepared to succeed. For many students, College Settlement is the first time they have been able to explore the outdoors in a meaningful way.
This is not a luxury. It is a critical investment in youth development, mental health, and educational equity.
Help Expand Our Impact
Support our work by sponsoring a student or contributing through our EITC program. Together, we can ensure that cost is never a barrier to transformative outdoor learning.
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.