The right facility means everything
Our summer camp program grew a little bigger this year -- just not in the way you might think.
For our largest project each year, our week-long camp -- the very reason we launched the our nonprofit five years ago -- attendance was actually down a tiny bit. We went from 103 campers in 2024 to 94 this year. Given the fear in the predominantly Latino areas, including Pleasant Grove, we were quite happy with this year's number.
There are other important ways for our nonprofit summer camp to grow. For instance, we grew in stature and in potential capacity by moving into a better fitting facility. This year's camp happened inside the Dallas ISD's Pleasant Grove Stadium.
Who doesn’t get a thrill from playing inside a stadium?!
Identifying suitable, affordable facilities for our camps and clinics is always difficult, and frequently the highest hurdle to overcome. Sure, we could rent a field in a public park. But is there a bathroom? What about fencing (for security -- and for keeping out stray dogs!). Is there a building to stash the kids in the event of lightning? What about storage (to keep from "re-building" the camp every day)? If we can get all that, can we afford it?
Most of our camps, clinics and courses have been at schools or recreation centers. We've made it work, even if it's sometimes a heavy lift.
But we've had some clinics at stadiums, including Dallas ISD facilities and at the historic Cotton Bowl. And it helps!
Dallas Police Department’s UNIDOS came out to speak to the youngsters — and to cook up some hot dogs on the final day of camp.
It's "feels" bigger for everyone. The kids get a kick out of it. The staff gets a little more logistical support. And simply put, things run more smoothly in ways you might imagine and in ways you might not even think of -- which allows myself and the staff to better concentrate on the programming and, most importantly, on the kids.
Big thanks to our partners at Dallas ISD; having collaborated now on more events, they trust us. The relationship is an important one.
Another solid staff for this one — coaches, camp “moms” and student assistants from WW Samuell High School