Summer camp is all about adventure, trying new things, meeting new people, and sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone. For one middle schooler from South Atlanta attending Soofa Ranch’s horse camp, that meant facing a fear head-on. Just walking into the barn was a challenge. Touching a horse? Unthinkable. Riding one? Out of the question.
But by the end of day one, he was grooming his horse. And by day two, he had found the courage to climb into the saddle despite a near panic attack. When he returned for day three, he was paired with a different horse and experienced a rough ride that left him shaken and in tears. He was ready to quit. Yet with encouragement, reflection, and support from his peers and camp staff, he came back the next day, set a new goal, and tried again. This time, he finished strong.
“Moments like these become core memories for kids to be able to conquer their anxiety,” explains Michelle Witherspoon, FCS’s Youth Development Coordinator. “It allows their brain to experience being able to overcome hard situations.”
That moment wasn’t just about a horse ride. It was about confidence, resilience, and a young person learning he could face challenges and come out the other side stronger.
This is why we do camp. And this summer, we were able to give 72 kids stories like this one.
Partnering with Camps That Do It Well
At FCS, our summer goal was simple: get as many kids to camp as possible. We accomplished this through partnerships. There are many great camps in Georgia doing incredible work, including Soofa Ranch, YMCA Camp High Harbor, Camp Southern Ground, and Young Life.
“We partner with camps that align with our mission and values and create safe, empowering spaces for our kids,” says Michelle.
At Camp Southern Ground, for example, kids experienced a diverse and inclusive environment with counselors specially trained in conflict resolution and working with neurodiverse kids. One student who often struggles with behavior had such a smooth week that Michelle joked, “I didn’t get a single call, and neither did his mom.”
That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. “It just confirmed for me we’re working with the right people,” Michelle said. “They supported the kids in the same ways we do during the school year, and it was seamless. We’re learning from each other.”
Parents as Partners
Partnership didn’t stop with the camps. It extended to families too. For many parents, sending their children to camp was a leap of faith, especially for those who never had the chance to go themselves. One mom, initially hesitant, watched her three kids return from camp overflowing with excitement. They had the time of their lives.
“Their mom was so happy,” Michelle said. “She didn’t know this kind of experience was possible for her kids, but now she does.”
Sometimes partnership meant advocating for a student to go to camp, even when there were challenges at home. Michelle shared one story of a student who was about to miss camp because of being grounded.
“I asked the mom, ‘Can we be partners in this? Give us a chance to work through it with her.’ She trusted us, and it made all the difference.”
Yes, camp is fun. There are horse rides, campfires, new friends, and s’mores. But for us, that’s just the beginning. Behind every activity is an opportunity for growth, healing, and connection.
“We’re not just doing the fun thing,” Michelle said. “We’re building real community, and that includes showing up, speaking into each other’s lives, and often getting into the messy stuff. That’s where the real impact happens.”
Community Partners
None of it would have been possible without the financial support from local organizations and generous donors. Their commitment helped remove the barriers that often prevent kids from attending camp and opened the door to life-changing experiences for 72 South Atlanta youth.
Thank you to everyone who made this summer possible. We’re already seeing the fruit of that impact. And we’re just getting started.
