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Blog - Latest News

2018 Eleanor Eells Award Winners

Media Updates

“Each year, ACA’s Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence recognizes camps that embody the award’s namesake by developing superior programming that effectively and creatively addresses the needs of people and society through the camp experience. We commend the 2018 winners. They are all definitive proof of the might of camp programs to equip campers of all abilities with the resiliency and belief to build better futures for themselves and their communities.

City Kids Wilderness Project

Chesapeake

City Kids Wilderness Project, created in 1996, is a nonprofit organization founded on the conviction that providing transformative experiences to Washington, DC, youth builds resiliency, broadens horizons, and teaches skills that enrich their lives as well as the lives of their families and their greater communities. City Kids is a seven-year program that begins when youth enter the program in their sixth-grade year. Participant development is supported through local after-school programming and weekend outdoor adventures in the wilderness areas of the Mid Atlantic during the school year, as well as job training and college preparation help. In the summer, City Kids runs three camp sessions at Broken Arrow Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in addition to career exploration and internship programming for older youth.

“Each year brings new challenges, opportunities, and excitement, and the program is carefully structured to provide age- and stage-appropriate support as youth mature,” said Eloise Russo, executive director of City Kids Wilderness Project. “Our goal is for all of our youth to pursue their dreams and to have the knowledge and confidence to think big and not get stuck or quit when things get hard.”

While the DC graduation rate is less than 69 percent, in the past five years, 97 percent of City Kids program participants have graduated from high school, and 90 percent have gone on to enroll in college, the military, or vocational training.

“In the next five years, over 100 new youth will enroll in our multiyear program, and we will have served over 500 youth,” said Russo. The aim is to continue to strengthen City Kids’ organizational capacity to provide increased access to after-school and weekend programs. “We also plan to increase our support for our young alumni as they transition from high school to college, employment, and other training opportunities. We hope to bring on a new staff member to support our 18- to 24-year-old alumni, as this will allow us to more deeply support their development into young adults and bolster the level of impact we are able to have”

Russo added, “Whether they go on to be mountain climbers, college graduates, business owners, teachers, or fire fighters, we are excited to be a part of their journey on their pathway to success.””

 

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August 13, 2018/by City Kids
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In Their Own Words

City Kids Wilderness Project Catalog of Philanthropy Fair Chance

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  • 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
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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
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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
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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!!
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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!
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A huge shoutout to our partner @seatosummit. You guys rock and the gear just keeps showing up. Thanks so much! #gearup #ckcommitted

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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

‘One of the Best’ Nonprofits in 2018-19 by the Catalogue for Ph... KHOL Interviews City Kids Student Daysiana Godbee
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