• Newsletter Signup
COVID-19 GUIDANCE: Learn more about our program and protocols here.
City Kids Wilderness Project
  • About
    • Mission
    • Our Team
    • Boards
    • Founder’s Story
    • Open Positions
    • Financials
  • Programs
    • The City Kids Journey
    • 2022 Schedule
    • School Year Programs
    • Summer Camp
    • High School Programs
    • City Kids Hits the Slopes
    • Alumni
  • Apply
    • How to Apply
    • Parents
    • The Experience
  • Support Us
    • Donate Now
    • How You Can Donate
    • Campfire Circle
    • Endurance Partners
    • Our Donors
    • Our Partners
    • Our Wish List
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • News & Articles
  • Contact
  • DONATE
  • Menu Menu

A Summer Like No Other

When the COVID-19 pandemic closed City Kids Wilderness Project’s offices and postponed our programming in March, as an organization, we, like the rest of the world, had no idea how long we would remain in a state of isolation. However, we knew we needed to start communicating with our youth, families and external stakeholders fast to assure them that we would not only survive this pandemic but thrive in it to support our youth.

Internal communications with youth and families was key for our programmatic continuation and evolution. We began surveying our youth and families at the onset of the pandemic to ensure that our virtual programming supported them while we were not able to all be outdoors together. Families asked that we stay connected with youth as they navigated a spring separated from friends and began virtual learning.

Then came the May murder of George Floyd and the rise of the broader social justice movement. Following the first weekend of protests after Mr. Floyd’s death, City Kids put part of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement of Beliefs out in a public post on Instagram. Externally, City Kids is increasingly seen as a leader in the outdoor social justice movement, receiving mentions on social media and increasing our Instagram audience by 25% in the month of June alone.

By virtue of the programming we do, City Kids is an organization founded on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) principles, and as such, these core tenets have historically been at the forefront of our internal communications among staff, participants and families. We have been careful and intentional to let our youth voice drive our communications, and this present moment has pushed us to share these efforts publicly and put a call to action to our CK community about allyship and solidarity and provide resources that help educate.

In an effort to respond to inquiries and share the story of City Kids and the impact of the dual pandemic on CK youth and families, we worked with DC production company In My Shoes on a video A Summer Like No Other that has been widely distributed to our stakeholders. Additionally, a group of our high school youth designed and created JET Talks, a new podcast for the City Kids community. So far, two episodes have been released, with more to come focused on exploring meaningful themes about their City Kids experiences.

Our efforts continue to evolve during COVID-19 to meet our youth and families’ needs, and communication is essential to ensuring that we all feel supported during this time. Between March and July, the organization conducted 400+ virtual engagements with many more rolling out this fall. Thanks to emergency grants from several D.C.-based foundations in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, we were able to implement The New York Times’ 1619 Project as a central element of our summer curriculum.

After completing the lessons, a City Kids youth reflected: “One thing that I have learned was the ultimate power of narrative and how beneficial it is to take a deep dive into the true narrative, and be able to take great pride in it.”

JOIN US

In Their Own Words

City Kids Wilderness Project Catalog of Philanthropy Fair Chance

Recent News

  • 2020 City Kids Annual ReportCity Kids Wilderness Project Annual Report 2020-2021November 8, 2021 - 1:44 pm
  • City Kids Wilderness Project Annual Report 2019September 3, 2020 - 7:18 am
  • City Kids Wilderness Project Annual Report 2018August 9, 2019 - 8:04 pm

Building Resiliency. Broadening Horizons. Ensuring Skills for Success.

Open
#DoMore24 is today! Any gift made in the next 24-hours will be matched up to $55,000! All donations will go towards our Pack Your Bags campaign which will fund the incredible outdoor experiences that CK youth will have this summer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

#linkinbio
Open
To drive positive change in our community, City Kids is taking part in this year’s #DoMore24 on Wednesday, May 18th. Do More 24 is the largest annual 24-hour online fundraiser for community-focused nonprofits in the DMV.
Open
Pack your bags, City Kids! We’re going to Jackson. 

Please consider making a donation today to help City Kids raise the $150K needed to operate summer camp!

#linkinbio 
#packyourbags 
#ckcommitted
Open
Check out the wish list in our bio to purchase items from REI & Amazon! 

#ckcommitted
Open
Starting April 1st, we’re partnering with @soultrakoutdoors for this year’s Miles for Soul Campaign. Sign up today and help us reach 50,000 Miles by the end of the month. This movement campaign is intended to promote physical wellness all month long and help raise funding towards monthly environmental and recreation programming for communities of color. Whether you contribute 1-100 miles, every step counts. Join and team and help us reach our goal. DM if you want to join the City Kids team.
Open
We have so much exciting programming for you all this month including the kick-off of our BRAND NEW Rock Club! This after school activity is an exciting way to bring your bouldering skills to new heights and #TryNewThings! Rock Club will take place from 4 - 6 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Thursday, March 24th. Check your emails for more info and to RSVP!
Open
Happy Black History Month #CKFAM! While we all know that #everymonthisBlackhistorymonth, we also know it's important to pause and take time to CELEBRATE Black History & Black Joy! This year, we've asked some of our campers to share what celebrating Black History & Black Joy means to them! Many thanks to Marlie, Kennadi & Osaro for reflecting & sharing with our community! 

#ckfam #202to307 #blackhistory365 #celebrateblackjoy
Open
City Kids applications are open for new 6th grade campers!  City Kids is a program for 6th graders from DC who want to get outside, make new friends, and challenge themselves while exploring new places!  Visit our website for more information (link in bio). Spread the word!!
Open
Hey #ckfam! The time is here - we need chaperones for our summer 2022 flights to & from Wyoming!! Help us make 2022 the #bestsummerever by chaperoning our wonderful campers out to camp in Jackson or back home to DC! 

**important: you must be fully vaccinated to chaperone a flight with City Kids**

Please email meena@citykidsdc.org for more information!
Open
A huge shoutout to our partner @seatosummit. You guys rock and the gear just keeps showing up. Thanks so much! #gearup #ckcommitted

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive our email newsletter.

City Kids Wilderness Project

202-525-4930
sarah@citykidsdc.org

City Kids Wilderness Project is a non-profit organization founded on the belief that providing enriching life experiences for DC children can enhance their lives, the lives of their families and the greater community.

Washington, DC

2437 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

13055 So. US Hwy 191
Jackson, WY 83001

Catalog for Philanthropy

© COPYRIGHT 2015-2021 CITY KIDS WILDERNESS PROJECT

CK Continuous Learning Newsletter October 2020 Alumni Spotlight
Scroll to top