For 30 years, City Kids has served DC youth through a model built on consistent relationships, meaningful challenge, and the transformative power of the outdoors. More than 500 alumni are proof of what happens when young people are given a seven-year container for growth, and the right people to grow alongside.
Rooted + Rising is our roadmap for 2025–2030, shaped by the voices of more than 185 youth, families, alumni, staff, and supporters. It’s organized around three commitments:
Evolving the Summer Experience — As we close one chapter at Broken Arrow Ranch, we’ll open the next: a new summer home, a reimagined residential program, and DC-based internships for high schoolers.
Scaling Alumni Programs — The 500+ people who’ve come through City Kids are our greatest asset. We’re building formal pathways for alumni to stay connected — as mentors, organizational leaders, and members of a new Alumni Advisory Board.
Advancing Career Pathways in the Outdoors — City Kids will deepen its role in building a more equitable outdoor industry, creating professional development pipelines and certifications that turn a formative youth experience into a launchpad for careers.
This plan is community-driven and community-owned. To learn more or to support the next chapter, contact us at development@citykidsdc.org or visit our donation page.
