Camp Horizon, Inc

Dear Camp Horizon #Supporters, As I look back on this incredible year, I’m most #grateful for the simple, heartfelt moments I’ve shared with our #youth. Moments like a warm “hello” from a young person who remembers my name, an invitation to have my nails done at #summer #camp from a wonderful young lady, and the countless opportunities to #connect and laugh with each of our remarkable youth. These #memories fill my #heart with joy—a joy that’s simple but so profoundly #cherished. I am truly #honored to serve as Camp Horizon’s Executive Director and to lead an organization as #compassionate and #resilient as this. Our #accomplishments over the past year are a testament to the incredible dedication of each of?you—our #volunteers, #donors, and #supporters. Your unwavering #commitment has #empowered us to expand our programs, #deepen our #impact, and continue #fostering #hope and growth for our #youth. With your #support, we’ve made tremendous strides: ?? Summer Camp:?47 youth experienced the joy and adventure of summer camp, guided by 50 dedicated volunteers. We also introduced a?Counselor-in-Training (CIT) and Leader-in-Training (LIT)?program, allowing 6 youth to take on leadership roles within the camp community. ?? Mentoring Program:?In collaboration with?UGA’s Leadership Dawgs, we developed and funded a pilot mentoring program, which engaged 7 mentor-mentee pairs, fostering impactful relationships and life guidance. ?? Volunteer Growth and Client Engagement:?We welcomed 37 new volunteers into our Camp Horizon family and engaged 12 new youth in our activities throughout the year. ?? Partnerships:?We strengthened ties with the?National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)?and the?Multi-Agency Alliance for Children (MAAC), reinforcing our holistic approach to supporting youth. Program Highlights ?? Life Skills Development Program (LDP):?This year-round program provides essential support for youth aged 12-18, helping them build critical life skills and develop leadership qualities. Our structured curriculum ensures that each participant is equipped with the tools they need to confidently navigate their future. ?? RISE Young Adult Program:?Formerly known as CHAMPS, this rebranded program is dedicated to preparing young adults aging out of foster care for independence. By focusing on real-world skills and support, RISE offers a vital lifeline to youth making this significant life transition. As we enter the holiday season, I invite?you?to continue your journey with us. ?? Whether through a financial gift, volunteering your time, or simply sharing our mission, your continued support will make a lasting difference. Together, let’s ensure that next year is filled with even more moments of joy, growth, and connection for our Camp Horizon family. #family #grateful #2024 #youth #fostercare #memories #accomplishments #thankful ?? With heartfelt gratitude, Amy Frizzell Executive Director, Camp Horizon www.camphorizon.net

We are excited to welcome Dr. India Blackburn to Camp Horizon’s Board of Directors! With a distinguished 20-year career in education and leadership, Dr. Blackburn brings a wealth of experience and passion for youth empowerment. Currently an English Language Arts teacher in Clayton County, Dr. Blackburn has inspired countless students to think critically and embrace the power of literature. Her leadership background is extensive, including her role as Co-Executive Director of MPP Academy, where she has helped shape future medical professionals, and her impactful career in higher education as Assistant Dean of Students at Georgia State University, among other roles. Dr. Blackburn holds a Doctorate in Student Affairs Leadership and has dedicated her life to fostering potential and encouraging growth. Beyond her work in education, Dr. Blackburn is a licensed REALTOR? and an outdoor enthusiast, recently completing the Peachtree Road Race. Her adventurous spirit, love for travel, and dedication to service make her an invaluable addition to our board. Dr. Blackburn’s commitment to helping others realize their full potential perfectly aligns with Camp Horizon’s mission. Join us in welcoming her to the Camp Horizon family, and stay tuned for the incredible impact she will make in the lives of our youth! ?? #CampHorizon #YouthEmpowerment #BoardOfDirectors #Welcome #EducationLeadership #FosterCare #Community

?? Welcome to our Newest Board Member, Cy Martinez! ?? We are thrilled to welcome Cy Martinez to Camp Horizon's Board of Directors! Cy, a dedicated small business owner in Atlanta, has supported our organization since 2011, sharing in our commitment to creating a space where kids impacted by foster care can experience joy, safety, and togetherness. Through his work with hospitals and technology, Cy brings a fresh and valuable perspective to our board, and he’s eager to make an even greater impact. For Cy, one of the most rewarding parts of his time with Camp Horizon is seeing the joy and freedom it brings to children, allowing them to simply be kids. We’re honored to have Cy join us in helping to empower and uplift our incredible campers and can't wait to see all we’ll accomplish together. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Cy Martinez! ?? #CampHorizon #NewBoardMember #FosterCare #YouthEmpowerment #TogetherWeGrow #AtlantaCommunity

Did You Know? #Foster #care plays a critical role in the lives of thousands of #children across #Georgia. At Camp Horizon, we are dedicated to #empowering #youth impacted by foster care, helping them #grow and #thrive in a supportive #community. Here are some important facts about #foster #care in #Georgia: ?? Over 12,000 children are in foster care in Georgia at any given time. Many of these children are between ages 5 and 18, with teenagers representing about 20-25% of the foster care population. ?? On average, children spend around 20 months in foster care before being reunited with family or placed in a permanent home. ?? Every year, approximately 700-800 young adults age out of foster care in Georgia without a permanent family. ?? Georgia is committed to keeping siblings together in foster placements, though challenges remain in finding families for sibling groups. ?? Fewer than 3% of foster youth earn a college degree by age 25, highlighting the need for stronger educational support. ?? Around 1,500 children are adopted from foster care in Georgia each year, but many older youth continue to wait for permanent homes. ?? 60-70% of children in foster care experience trauma-related mental health challenges, requiring specialized care and resources. ?? Reunification is the primary goal for most foster care cases, with about half of the children leaving foster care returning to their biological families. At Camp Horizon, we are proud to provide a #safe #space where #foster #youth can build #resilience, develop #life #skills, and create lasting #connections. ?? Want to help? ?? Consider supporting our #mission by becoming a #mentor, #volunteering, or making a #donation to help fund our year-round #programs for youth impacted by foster care. #FosterCareAwareness #EmpowerYouth #CampHorizonStrong #SupportFosterYouth #FosterCareGeorgia

?? Stay Connected with Camp Horizon! ?? At Camp Horizon, we are dedicated to empowering youth impacted by foster care through community, adventure, and access to life-changing experiences. Want to stay updated on how we're making a difference and ways you can support our mission? Sign up for our newsletter and never miss an update! ?? You'll receive inspiring stories, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and the latest news on how YOU can be part of the positive impact we're creating together. ?? Scan the QR code in the image to join our newsletter today! Let’s continue to make a difference, together. ?? #StayConnected #CampHorizon #FosterCare #YouthEmpowerment #CommunitySupport #NewsletterSignup #NonprofitLife #BeTheChange #CampHorizonCommunity

At Camp Horizon, we know that #trauma is a significant part of the foster care experience. That’s why we’ve made it our #mission to integrate #trauma-#informed #care into every aspect of our work. This means not only #understanding the #effects of trauma but also actively working to create an environment that promotes #healing, #stability, and #growth for our #youth. Why is this important? #Research shows that youth impacted by foster care often face #emotional and #psychological scars due to disrupted relationships, instability, and loss. A trauma-informed approach is essential to helping them #navigate these #challenges. Our #programs, from summer #camp to #mentoring, are designed to be safe spaces where trust can be rebuilt, #resilience can be #nurtured, and #futures can be reimagined. By recognizing the long-term #impact of trauma and tailoring our programs to meet those #needs, we’re not just offering #support—we’re changing lives. Join us in this #journey. Together, we can continue to empower #foster #youth to rise above their past and embrace a #future full of #promise. #TraumaInformedCare #FosterYouth #NonprofitLeadership #CampHorizonATL #YouthEmpowerment

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. At Camp Horizon we believe that self awareness and emotional regulation are important elements of suicide prevention. Many of us are not taught how to acknowledge and process our feelings in healthy ways, but it's never too late to learn and practice this skill! Try this for yourself or share it with a friend: ?? BREATHE: Take 5 deep breaths in and out to center yourself ?? FEEL: Check in with your body and mind. How are you feeling today? Can you name the emotion? ?? THANK: Name 3 things you are thankful for ?? AFFIRM: Name 3 things you like about yourself ?? NEED: What do you need in order to feel better? Who might be able to help? Plan what you're going to do next to support yourself. Remember, you are never alone! Reach out to someone you trust or the resources shared above to get the support you need. #camphorizon #SuicidePreventionMonth

?? Nature Exploration! At Camp Horizon this year, we are #focused on the #wonders of the #natural #world. This theme provides our youth with #hands-#on opportunities to explore the #beauty of #nature, foster #curiosity, and build #life #skills through #outdoor #adventure and #environmental stewardship. Why Nature Exploration? We believe that immersing in #nature promotes #personal #growth, #resilience, and a sense of #community. By engaging with the #environment, our #youth will #learn to #appreciate the world around them, develop #problem-#solving skills, and gain #confidence in their ability to navigate #challenges—whether on the trail or in life. ? Together, we will continue to #empower youth and build lifelong #memories through #exploration, #connection, and #adventure. ? #NatureExploration #CampHorizon2024 #EmpowerYouth #ExploreTheOutdoors #BuildingCommunity #CampLife

?? Our hearts are with the #families, #students, #teachers, and #staff affected by the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School. At Camp Horizon, we understand that the #trauma from events like this doesn’t just fade—it requires #ongoing #support, #understanding, and community #care. We want to #encourage everyone to #talk to their loved ones, especially our youth, and offer a safe space for them to express their #emotions. Let’s come #together as a #community to foster hope and healing. #Resources for support: ? Trauma-informed coping strategies for teens: https://lnkd.in/edu9m92Y ? Tips for helping children cope with trauma: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (https://lnkd.in/eN828ZdW) Let’s #work #together to build a safer, more compassionate world for our youth. Be kind, be aware, and let’s not take the simple things for granted.

Absolutely not! Camp Horizon is so much #more. ?? Our organization #goes #beyond the traditional summer camp experience by offering year-round programs, outings, and activities designed to #support #children, #teens, and #young #adults impacted by foster care. From our Opportunity/Enrichment Days to our Leadership Development Program (LDP) for ages 12-17, we are committed to providing continuous growth and #empowerment for our youth. At Camp Horizon, we believe in the #power of #community and long-term support. Our #youth are encouraged to #participate in all our #programming, fostering lasting relationships and essential life skills that help them thrive. #Join us in making a difference every day, not just in the summer! ?? 2 days left!!! Help us reach our goal of raising $10,000 during the month of August: https://lnkd.in/eGxQYYrm #CampHorizon #YearRoundSupport #EmpowerYouth #FosterCare #CommunityImpact #LeadershipDevelopment