Youth Gain Classroom Confidence at Summer Camp

September 24, 2025

Thanks to the generosity of donors across the country, our young people experienced nature, friendship, and growth during their trips to Camp Miniwanca in Shelby, Mich. this summer. 

Our camp adventures offered young people the chance to relax and reflect and to learn critical skills to prepare them for the upcoming school year and beyond. The activities overseen by our staff helped campers discover their hidden strengths and gave them the confidence they’ll use to succeed in the classroom, not just academically, but socially.

“[Many] kids who come to Mercy Home have a lot of social anxiety, have issues reading social cues, and [struggle with] teamwork,” said Emilio Munoz, a coordinator in our education and career resources department.  “[Camp] helps them with their social skills and prepares them for the school year.” 

While at camp, youth have a structured routine filled with fun activities to combat the summer slide. Instead of spending time on social media or hunched over screens, they have real-world adventures that challenge them to learn and grow in different ways while keeping good learning habits active.  

“Keeping the structure of camp helps our boys transition back into the school year,” Munoz said. 

Simone, a Mercy Home youth and first-time camper, discovered the importance of time management and gained a new perspective on camp.  

“Camp is really fun [and] I learned a bunch of different things,” Simone said. “Time management was one of my hardest things to conquer but I did it.”

Simone also learned the value of teamwork while participating in group activities.  

“Team building was hard and trusting my team was hard, but it really puts into perspective how life is. It can give you an insight on what you have in store for you in the future,” Simone said.   

Munoz offers insight on the positive impact the teambuilding activities have on our youth, especially during their school year and on their sports teams.  

“When it comes to sports, they want to be the leader and role model,” Munoz said. “Most of them take it as an opportunity to showcase their leadership skills. It has helped them take it back to their sports at school, and their coaches most of the time have stated, ‘I’ve seen improvement in their teamwork and leadership.’” 

Ezekiel, a Mercy Home youth, went to camp for his second year in a row. During his time there, he was eager to join in the many activities offered while also helping encourage his peers.  

Matt Crozier, a youth care worker at Mercy Home, also saw Ezekiel’s leadership surface during camp.   

“His ability to speak up for [his peers] who are feeling down and bringing the energy with a smile on his face moves throughout the group,” Crozier said. “He’s really good about encouraging people to join in.” 

Returning campers often take on leadership roles and help new campers feel acclimated and involved.  

“Most of the time, our young people mentor the younger kids and try to show them the positives [of camp],” Munoz said. “It helps our youth see that it’s not just about [their] treatment, we incorporate fun [activities], and we want them to be kids.” 

Soon after camp ended, our young people started school. Munoz has already noticed a connection between camp and academic improvement.  

“There is a positive correlation [to their success in school],” Munoz said. “If camp helps them open up and be more social, [then] that typically will correlate into better grades. Because then they’ll be more social at school, they’ll be more [adaptable] to feedback” Munoz said.   

Charla-Jae, a Mercy Home youth, went to camp for the first time this summer and learned social skills and gained self-confidence.  

“I feel like [camp] did prepare me [for school], because in the past I didn’t really know how to communicate with my teachers,” Charla-Jae said. “But now I know how to talk more effectively with them and staff.” 

Camp is not only a place of fun and tranquility for our youth, but also a place where they can discover new strengths, heal from their emotional pain, and enjoy being kids. 

We are grateful to our generous donors who responded to our appeals to support our young people’s summer adventures at camp and our coworkers who guided them throughout the experience. You are a critical piece of our young people’s success in school and in life.