Program Overview
Wayfinders’ unique model gives 170+ children from high-poverty schools the opportunity to supplement their education with experiences that improve academic achievement and physical activity, expand their social capital, and increase their preparedness for the workforce. We achieve this through three main components:
CAMP: Wayfinders scholars attend residential camp for two-to-three weeks beginning in the fourth grade. Summer enrichment helps prevent summer learning loss, build confidence, and gives students the opportunity to supplement their education with experiences that improve academic achievement and physical activity.
- Explorers (grades 4-6) attend residential camp for two-to-three weeks in the NC mountains. Explorers experience things like kayaking, rope climbing, and horseback riding
- Adventurers (grades 7-9) attend one-to-three weeks of overnight camp on a college campus for academic or leadership camp or overnight outdoor adventure/leadership camp.
- Navigators (grades 10-12) participate in job shadowing experiences, internships, or work as camp counselors/counselors in training at overnight camps.
For more information on our camp partners, please click here.
ENRICHMENT: Year-round, scholars participate in enrichment programs such as swim lessons, social-emotional workshops, financial planning education, technology workshops, employer visits, and community service.
For more information on enrichment activities, please click here.
MENTORING: The long-term mentoring component is the most impactful thread in a Wayfinders scholar’s experience. Each Wayfinders scholar is paired with a dedicated adult mentor for 5-8 years. Mentors often lend their knowledge and experience to benefit their mentees, especially when it comes to choosing high school classes and extracurriculars and preparing for college.
For more information on becoming a mentor, please click here.