By Tracy Sternberg, Chief Development Officer

I was fortunate to attend several different resident camps growing up. My experiences were life changing and many of my summer camp pals have become lifelong friends. I gained confidence and learned that I could try anything and succeed – or fail – and that was OK.

Join me in raising your hand if you too spent some amazing summers at camp during your youth. Since I can’t see your hands, I will assume many of you shared in memorable camp experiences and understand the benefits of outdoor and camp experiences.

Unfortunately, many girls in our community are not able to raise their hands with us. As each school year comes to a close, many girls see the excitement of their classmates who can’t wait to go to summer camp. They dream of what camp is like, and wish they could share their own camp story when the new school year begins. But when paying the bills is challenge enough for their families, they know that summer camp is out of the question.

But this is where Girl Scouting comes in. Each year, Girl Scouts – NC Coastal Pines holds Summer Leadership Camp for under-served girls. Our Summer Leadership Camp program provides the opportunity for girls from low-income families to attend a week of resident camp at no cost to them. Filled with traditional camp activities such as swimming, boating, and archery – activities many of these girls will experience for the first time – this week-long camp is unique in its focus on building life and leadership skills. Campers take part in sessions that help them build their self-confidence, learn how to form and maintain healthy relationships, define their value system, and understand the importance of giving back to their communities.

In addition to a camp group service project, each camper creates an independent project during the week through which she will “Take Action” in her community after camp ends. To help inspire the girls to achieve goals made during camp, area businesswomen and community volunteers mentor the girls on their Take Action projects. The camp culminates in a day-long visit to a college campus, where the campers engage with students and faculty.

Summer Leadership Camp doesn’t just teach – it activates! By providing this unique summer camp experience, girls having the opportunity to explore beyond their communities and can dream big.

You can help a girl create her summer camp story to share with classmates. Give her the opportunity to grow in confidence and know that her voice matters!

DONATE NOW to send a girl to Summer Leadership Camp.

Questions? Contact Emily Hill at ehill@nccoastalpines.org to learn ways you can help a girl discover that anything is possible.