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What is Camp Collab

Camp CollabÌý¾±²õÌýa free, year-round program based at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ DenverÌýdesigned to support youth as they explore their goals, build confidence, and prepare for future pathways, including college, careers, and life beyond high school. Youth participants willÌýparticipateÌýin a one-week-long summer experience on the º£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver campus, be provided opportunities to plan and attend community events andÌýactivities, andÌýbe paired with a trained peer mentor who offers consistent support, encouragement, and connection throughout the program.Ìý

Youth in Camp Collab will:Ìý

  • Build a meaningful relationship with a mentor who is in their cornerÌý
  • Explore future goals including college, career, and personal developmentÌý
  • Participate in academic and professional skill-building activitiesÌý
  • Engage in community events that foster belonging and connectionÌý

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We know thatÌýstrong supportÌýsystems matter, and we want caregivers to feel informed, connected,Ìýand empowered. Caregivers and families in the program will have access to:Ìý

  • Workshops on college readiness, financial aid, and navigating systemsÌý
  • Caregiver support groups to connect, share experiences, and learn from one anotherÌý
  • Family engagement events that bring youth and caregivers together in communityÌý
  • Ongoing communication and support from our team throughout the year

Our goal is not just to support youth, but to strengthen the entire network around themÌý

Who We Are

Mission Statement:ÌýÌý

Our mission is to empower high school-aged foster youth by providing a transformative summer camp experience that introduces them to higher education opportunities, builds essential life skills, and bridges the gap between foster care and academic systems. Through engaging activities, mentorship, and a supportive community, we aim to inspire resilience, foster a sense of belonging, and cultivate the confidence needed to pursue their educational and personal aspirations. Ìý

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Vision Statement:ÌýÌý

We envision a future where all high school-aged foster youth have equal access to higher education and the resources necessary to thrive academically and personally. Ìý

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Solidarity StatementÌýÌý

We stand in unwavering solidarity with high school-aged foster youth, recognizing their strength, resilience, and potential. Our summer camp program is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every participant feels valued, heard, and empowered. We are dedicated to bridging the gap between the foster care system and higher education, ensuring that foster youth have access to the resources, opportunities, and mentorship they need to thrive.  Ìý

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By coming together as a community, we pledge to dismantle systemic barriers and create pathways to success for foster youth.ÌýWe believe in the power of education, the importance of belonging, and the transformative impact of shared experiences. Together, we will cultivate a nurturing space where foster youth can dream big, pursue their aspirations, and build a brighter future. Ìý

Applications

Interested Mentors and Volunteers

Application LinksÌýfor July Camp Cohort 2026:Ìý

  • Ìý

Interested Youth and Families

Application Links forÌýJuly Camp CohortÌý2026:Ìý

Upcoming Events

Summer Programming Dates

Summer Camp(us) Experience:ÌýJuly 20 – 24, 2026Ìý

Location:Ìýº£½ÇÖ±²¥ Denver Auraria CampusÌýÌý

Cost:ÌýFreeÌý

For more information, please email [email protected]

Camp Collab Team

Erin Boyce, MSW, Ph.D.

Erin Boyce, Ph.D., MSW (she/her)

Assistant Professor, Camp Collab Program Director

[email protected]
Headshot of Alexandra Hood

Alexandra N Hood, Ph.D., MSW (she/her)

Lecturer in Social Work, Camp Collab Research Coordinator

[email protected]
Rowdy Heroic Pose

Lexi King, MSW (she/her)

Camp Collab Mentorship Supervisor

[email protected]
Rowdy Heroic Pose

Kelly Nelson, M.S. (she/her)

Camp Collab Program Manager

[email protected]

Contact Us

Have a question or can not find something you are looking for? Feel free to call our email us! Our team will reply via email in 2-3 business days.