For nearly a century, Austin Sunshine Camps has been creating life-changing summer experiences for Central Texas youth who might otherwise never have the opportunity to attend overnight camp.
Founded in 1928, the nonprofit organization provides free camp experiences for children ages 8 to 15 who are either in foster care or qualify for free or reduced lunch programs. Today, Austin Sunshine Camps serves hundreds of campers annually at its Zilker Park and Lake Travis locations.
“Our mission is to provide the magic of overnight camp without the barrier of cost,” said David Roberts, chief development officer for Austin Sunshine Camps. “Camp is a place where kids can put down the weight they might be carrying and just be kids.”
That “magic” includes campfires, canoe rides, ropes courses, and friendships, but it also creates something deeper: confidence, belonging, and leadership development.
One camper, Theo, arrived at camp shy, withdrawn, and unsure if he wanted to stay. After leaving early during his first two summers, Theo eventually completed an entire camp session and later returned as a counselor-in-training. Due to his schedule, he will return this summer as part-time staff, assisting full-time staff and mentoring younger campers facing similar struggles.
Roberts said stories like Theo’s are common because the organization intentionally builds what it calls a “camper-to-community leader pipeline,” encouraging former campers to return as mentors and staff members.
Volunteer Clement Wan has witnessed that transformation firsthand during his seven years supporting the organization.
“You actually really get to see how appreciative the kids and their parents are around something they wouldn’t otherwise be able to do,” Wan said.
For Roberts, the camp’s impact extends far beyond summer.
“We fully believe that our campers are the future of the city,” he said. “Camp gave them the belief in themselves that they can accomplish things in other parts of their lives. And that’s magical.”
To learn more about Austin Sunshine Camps, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support campers, visit www.sunshinecamps.org