OUR MISSION
The mission of Lantern Light Camps is to provide age appropriate year-round outdoor adventures and training for children, young adults, and their families. These camps programs are focused on providing unique outdoor opportunities in an effort to connect young people to the outdoors and the natural world. We encourage an inquiring mind. Our programs are composed to boost the campers critical thinking skills with the goal of developing a lifelong love of learning and an awe and wonderment of the natural world.
The camps take pride in developing mentoring relationships with positive role models between campers and our faculty and staff. Participation in Lantern Light Camps builds a sense of community. Our camps are not just a place you go to, it is a place that you become a part of. Working and living at Lantern Light Camps provides opportunities to be part of a team as well as the opportunity to lead. We create leaders.
Lantern Lamp Camps are open to all. While providing direct programs to the public, Lantern Light also partners with other youth serving agencies. Many of these agency partners serve urban and underserved communities.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
Lantern Light Camps strives to be a model of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that every individual’s journey is unique, and we value and celebrate the experiences, characteristics, and perspectives that make each person who they are. We believe the only way to effectively address the issues that face our communities is to bring diverse individuals together to work collectively in a positive and supportive environment. Together we work to ensure that people of all walks of life, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, sex, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation, has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. All members of the Lantern Light Camps community and those we interact with have a right to be treated with respect, caring, and honesty.
Lantern Light Camps programs are designed to be inclusive so that all campers can participate in all program areas. There are a variety of activities in each area that are designed to be age and skill appropriate. These will build on each other throughout the week and from year to year.​
Camper Goals and Outcomes:
The primary expected outcomes of the Lantern Light Camps program are for campers to:
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Gain self-confidence and self-reliance - Campers will be exposed to new activities and situations. They will be encouraged to step out of their physical and mental comfort zones in a positive, “challenge by choice” environment.
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Increase interpersonal skills – The camp environment provides opportunities for building relationships, interacting with peers, and free play that are not available in other settings.
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Gain an appreciation for the outdoors – Opportunities to build an appreciation and responsibility for the natural environment will be provided through both specific programming and through immersion in the outdoors.
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Foster a sense of curiosity and discovery – With the highly scheduled lives many children have camp is a great opportunity to explore whatever interests you. Opportunities will be provided for campers to “eagerly search for what is over there.”
Health Management Philosophy:
Our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all campers. By utilizing previous experience, evidence-based medicine, and best health care practices we ensure that every camper can have a successful summer camp experience. Cognizant that each person’s journey is unique special care is taken to address all healthcare needs fully and completely. Lantern Light Camps recognizes and supports the rights and dignity of each individual and this is especially true in the healthcare setting.