My Nonprofit Reviews

The John Austin Cheley Foundation (A Thousand Summers) is a wonderful organization that changes kids' lives. They recognize the increasing needs of adolescents to get outside and away from screens and provide immersive outdoor experiences for underserved kids. The staff and the volunteers of the organization are professional, positive, and inspiring. They truly believe in the mission of the organization and do incredible work to help kids become more independent, confident, resilient, and engaged through outdoor adventures. Their internal youth development programming provides a strong foundation for their campers and prepares them well for life away at summer camp. They have also recently committed to some additional programming for their alums to help them become camp counselors and provide additional leadership and professional development.

I donate to A Thousand Summers every year because I know without a doubt that my financial support will be used to serve kids and to make a difference in their lives. I have always appreciated the transparency of A Thousand Summers and the way they build relationships with donors. They approach their work with humility and gratitude and in doing so, have a large and loyal group of supporters who have been with them for many years. A Thousand Summers is my favorite non-profit organization and one I recommend to anyone who is interested in making a difference for kids!

The John Austin Cheley Foundation is a wonderful organization that is changing kids' lives through transformative summer camp experiences. They partner with some of the highest rated summer camps in the country to provide a positive youth development experience that is next to none! The campers learn important life skills and experience great social-emotional growth during their time away from home while they take part in challenging outdoor adventures. The time spent outdoors and away from technology/social media really allows kids to disconnect and discover their true selves. I can't say enough positive things about the organization, the staff, the partner camps, and the lifelong impact that they have on the lives of kids! The John Austin Cheley Foundation is an amazing organization doing inspiring work!

The John Austin Cheley Foundation is a wonderful organization that changes kids' lives through transformative summer camp experiences.

Their staff is excellent--extremely professional and dedicated. They communicate regularly and positively about the work of the Foundation and they take the time to get to know their donors, community partners, and their campers and their families.

Everything they do to get the campers ready for their summer camp experience is spot-on. The application process, the mentoring/preparation for the time away from home, the travel arrangements, and the post-camp follow up are all done in a timely and helpful way. They go out of their way to make the experience very positive and something that kids will want to do again. They commit to their campers for multiple years, knowing that each year of camp creates greater personal growth.

The staff and the Board of the Foundation share a passion for the summer camp experience and the personal development that occurs when kids are away from home and in the outdoors for several weeks. Being away from technology and daily involvement in challenging outdoor adventures help kids discover their strengths and reconnect in meaningful ways. At a time when so much has been taken away from young people and they have been forced to spend so much more time online with remote learning and the Covid pandemic, summer camp has become even more critical in helping kids develop confidence, grit, responsibility, and leadership skills. The camps that the Foundation chooses to partner with are top-tier youth development programs that offer amazing wilderness experiences for kids.

I have been involved with the John Austin Cheley Foundation as a volunteer for over 10 years, and I couldn't be more proud of the work that they do. They are making a positive difference in the lives of young people across the country!

The John Austin Cheley Foundation (JACF) is a highly impactful organization that changes kids' lives through transformational summer camp experiences. Their dedicated staff and board of trustees are professional, experienced, and committed to the mission and vision of the organization and the wonderful kids and families they serve. JACF is an inspiring non-profit organization that is truly making a difference!