As summer approaches, children across the country eagerly anticipate days spent swimming, exploring, and enjoying family vacations. But for many kids in Appalachia, the season often brings isolation, long days spent indoors with limited stimulation and little opportunity for adventure.

Thanks to the supporters of Americans Helping Americans®, that narrative is changing. Last summer alone, nearly 600 children in Georgia, Kentucky, and West Virginia participated in enriching summer day camp programs, made possible through partnerships with local grassroots organizations.

Bringing Joy and Opportunity to McDowell County, WV

In McDowell County, West Virginia, where recreational options are few, our partner Big Creek People in Action (BCPIA) offers a two-week summer camp for children aged 5–13. Supported by Americans Helping Americans®, the program provides:

• Nutritious meals and snacks
• Arts and crafts supplies
• Transportation and recreational activities
• A life-changing four-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains

“Most of the kids we serve have never been on a vacation,” says Dyanne Spriggs, BCPIA’s Executive Director. “This overnight trip is often their first real experience away from home, and it’s unforgettable.”

BCPIA’s program offers a safe, structured environment for children who often face extreme poverty, unstable home lives, and limited access to education. It helps prevent summer learning loss while promoting self-esteem, independence, and resilience.

Encouraging Exploration in Gainesville, GA

In Gainesville, Georgia, L.A.M.P. Ministries offers a summer camp experience that takes youth beyond their neighborhoods. Field trips to museums and state parks help kids connect with nature and build positive social bonds.

“We served 260 youth last year,” says Executive Director Mary Mauricio. “With fewer youth programs available locally, our goal is to keep young people off the streets, away from gangs, and engaged in meaningful activities.”

A Safe Haven in Lee County, KY

In Lee County, Kentucky, Cumberland Mountain Outreach (CMO) welcomed 200 children to a five-week summer day camp held at Pine Crest Camp.

“For many of these children, camp is the only safe space they have,” shares Cynthia Evanoff, CMO’s President. “Some come from abusive homes, and here they can enjoy being a kid, playing games, doing crafts, eating well, and making new memories.”

The camp provides a critical respite and a sense of community, enriched this year with the addition of a new inflatable slide, a simple feature that brought big smiles.

Together, We Make Summer Brighter

Through youth programs like these and our summer camp initiatives, Americans Helping Americans® continues to turn summer into a season of hope and happiness for hundreds of Appalachian children.