TRAIL BLAZER CAMPS

Results: Our strategies produce immediate impact (within just two weeks at Overnight Camp!) and continue supporting our youth as they grow into adulthood. To ensure that our programs are truly serving our youth, we work with Algorhythm, whose age-appropriate statistically-validated tools specialize in capturing data to evaluate and improve social impact. We also survey parents/guardians to capture a full picture of our impact. OVERNIGHT CAMP 97% of campers in Grades 5+ demonstrated growth it at least one competency, 77% in 3 or more competencies. The competencies with the highest levels of growth were: Academic Self-Efficacy, Social Capital, and Positive Identity. 100% of campers in 3rd-5th Grade demonstrated growth or maintained baselines it at least one competency. The competencies with the highest levels of growth were: Academic Self-Efficacy, Mastery Orientation, and Self-Management. 78% of parents observed an increased interest in nature/being outdoors; 74% observed increased knowledge of topics having to do with environment and outdoor skills; 80% observed an increased perseverance through challenges; 74% observed an increased level of self care; 76% observed an increased sense of self-worth; 74% observed an increased belief in ability to succeed at tasks; 70% observed camper engages positively with family more; 80% observed camper engages positively with community more. AFTER SCHOOL Percentage of PreK-2nd Grade after school campers who could identify an action to help the environment (Environmental Awareness) increased from 64% (pre program) to 74% (post program). Percentage who could identify an action to feel better when they feel bad (Self-Management) increased from 75% to 93% Percentage of 3rd-5th grade after school campers who agree with the statement, "like to try new things, even when they are hard” increased from 88% (pre program) to 95% (post program). “I really like being a leader” increased from 77% to 88%. “I am good at sharing my ideas and feelings” increased from 79% to 83%. “I can stay calm, even when things get tough or stressful” increased from 73% to 78%. “It is important for me to work hard in school” increased from 92% to 95%. “I am proud of who I am” increased from 88% to 93% ALUMNI (lasting impact) 64% of camp alumni (1941-1980) say Trail Blazers influenced relationships with family and friends; 64% reported Trail Blazers influenced their ability to work in a team/with others on their job; 53% reported Trail Blazers influenced their curiosity and interest in learning; 51% reported Trail Blazers influenced the role of environmental stewardship in their lives; 62% reported Trail Blazers influenced their ability to relate to and get along with others; 66% reported Trail Blazers influenced their current relationships with family and friends.

Target demographics: youth develop skills needed to thrive and be a positive influence on thier environments

Direct beneficiaries per year: 2700 children and teens

Geographic areas served: New York and New Jersey

Programs: SUMMER OVERNIGHT CAMP. On our 1000-acre forested in New Jersey, owned by the Nature Conservancy, youth learn and grow through outdoor adventures and challenges that foster personal development. SUMMER DAY CAMP. Younger campers who are not ready for the overnight experience learn and grow with us, connecting to nature in the city from our home base in Prospect Park, Brooklyn's backyard. UNDER ONE SKY AFTER SCHOOL. So named because we all liver under one sky, whether in the city's built environment or the camp forest's natural environment. After school engages youth in urban environmental stewardship and social-emotional development RECESS. Outdoor-oriented, play-based opportunity to to foster social-emotional skills during the school day, which supports healthy youth development and academic readiness. SCHOOL BREAK CAMP. When school is out, we go outside to connect to and learn about nature in the fall, winter, and spring while reconnecting with each other.