OUR BIG WHY
To create an innovative art and outdoor adventure camp for children - ‘Camp SkyHope’.
‘Camp SkyHope’ is a donations-based program with a focus on youth who have faced a life-altering event, loss or trauma. In order to raise funds for camp this e-Commerce store, ‘SkyHope Kids’ was created and all the proceeds from online sales will help make this vision a reality.
AND WHAT DOES OUR BIG WHY HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH?
TO CHANGE THE LIFE OF A CHILD -- BY ELEVATING THEIR WONDER TO NEW HEIGHTS.
We believe in WONDER at CAMP SKYHOPE. But why?
Why is WONDER so important in the life of a child, especially those who have experienced hardship?
The truth is, often times, when a child has a life-altering experience, loss or trauma, they tend to disconnect from the world and from themselves. Their abilities to handle and deal with life's extenuating situations can be very limited. The child goes into a very instinctual 'survival' mode, where their capacity to harness further development in their minds, bodies and spirits becomes compromised, and most commonly, stunted. It has been shown that children will actually stay at the developmental stage/age in which the traumatic event occurred, if the circumstance is not addressed and skills are developed to help the child move through the event.
However, it has also been recognized, that through supportive, creative and natural environments, with positive and encouraging leadership, that 'switch' can be turned back on and this light ignites their hearts and minds - giving them a sense of curiosity to want to learn again. From there, confidence starts to be regained, motivation increases and eagerness to have experiences and take calculated risks develops - which in turn enables developmental growth. And even more so, through these opportunities in life, we start to see the WONDER again - we start to feel and see that sparkle of life - not only within ourselves but everything around us.
At Camp SkyHope, this is why WONDER is so important - that spark, that HOPE, that is SKY high that not only makes a child want to start experiencing life again, but allows them to access the depths of who they truly are and what they are meant to be and do - regardless of their life situations.
It is our mission to empower and equip as many children as we can by providing pathways and support that encourages shifting pain into purpose, grief into gratitude, and bereavement into upliftment. Through the collaborative power of innovate arts and outdoor adventure, with the guidance of dedicated mentors, it is our goal for all Camp SkyHope kids to feel inspired to open their minds, bodies and spirits to their own potential, self-worth and their deeper life purpose - together we believe there is always opportunity for WONDER for those who are open to receive.
MORE ABOUT CAMP
Through customized summer day camp programs, Camp SkyHope will inspire hope and foster positive outcomes in children starting at age 4 through the age of 14. Through the restorative and dynamic mediums of art, music, creative play, outdoor recreation and team building, kids will be invited to open themselves to their own abilities and gifts as they build the resilience they need to overcome challenges. Not only will the kids be taught creative problem solving, they will learn how “TO WONDER,” notice and explore with a new perspectives as they harness vital and valuable skills for their paths ahead.
The kids’ inspiring experience, artwork, written self reflections and collaborative projects will be created and documented - then showcased at local venues to engage the community at large the importance of remembering to always be looking for the WONDER in our lives, regardless of our struggles. In addition, to having their work being noticed throughout communities, the children will be recognized and appreciated by others within the Camp SkyHope family, igniting a feeling of pride and accomplishment, as well as self growth and realization.
It is our passion as an organization to transform the lives of kids in need of support, empowering them with essential life skills and building self-confidence, resilience and healthy relationships. At Camp SkyHope our program curriculum will support and develop four 'archetypes' of children with weekly activities that are custom tailored for that particular archetype, throughout the program.
The four archetypes of the children that will be of focus are: THE ARTIST, THE SCIENTIST, THE PHILOSOPHER & THE ADVENTURER. In addition to creating a strategic week-long camp for each archetype, we will also be inviting others to join who have had similar life-altering experiences, losses or trauma, as well as within a similar age group.
SUPPORT US - SHOP NOW
You don’t have to be a teacher or a guidance counselor to help our Camp SkyHope kids see the world anew. We are working on many ways to help raise funds to benefit this deserving group of kids. While we always welcome your input, brilliant ideas and more - SHOPPING HERE AT SKYHOPE KIDS would be a big help with bringing our vision come to life.
We believe a beautiful tree starts from watering one single seed. We have visions that are both short and long term (more details to come) - and we are so grateful for any contributions you have - donations in materials for art, sports, fun crazy kids stuff, building materials or just your good energy and kind smile - we appreciate it all! Thank you for taking the time to get to know us and why it is we do what do do - let the adventure begin and may all we experience NEW HEIGHTS through the WONDROUS path ahead with Camp SkyHope!