The Positive Impact of a Salvation Army Summer Camp Experience

For over a decade, Mandy Bender’s family has taken part in The Salvation Army’s Beaver Creek Camp each summer. Her four children have all attended camp during their school breaks, starting as young as six years old.

“My older sons are now 18 and 17. They both have gone to camp for many years,” Mandy says.

The youngest daughters, now 12 and 13, are continuing the tradition. This summer, they are returning to camp, an experience they look forward to each year.

“My daughters have been going since they were seven, minus the COVID-19 years,” Mandy adds.

Looking back, Mandy remembers first hearing about The Salvation Army’s summer camps through a group of fellow moms who were all searching for summer activity options.

“All of us were in a tough financial time. We wanted to send our kids to camp, but we were not able to make that wish a priority,” Mandy recalls. “One of my friends told me about The Salvation.”

Having access to the camp has made a huge difference in the lives of her children.

“At the time, I would have to see if I could afford to spend $300 to $400 to send them to camp or not, but after learning about The Salvation Army, I no longer had to make that decision.”

“They do the things people from my generation used to do as kids.”

For Mandy’s children, the experience at Beaver Creek Camp is everything. It is what keeps them coming back.

“They love the games, the food, meeting new campers and reconnecting with old friends,” Mandy says. “I even think they secretly look forward to not having electronics now that we live in a world with so much screen time.”

Camp has also been a safe space and a place to learn new skills.

“My oldest son struggled a lot in school when it came to making friends. Camp became a place where he could go and be himself,” Mandy shares. “My children have learned life skills at camp and they get to play outside and get dirty. They do the things people from my generation used to do as kids.”

As a parent, camp offers Mandy a much-needed helping hand. While she doesn’t attend camp herself, she still experiences benefits from it. 

“Throughout these years, camp has been a real help with childcare in the summer. I know they are in good hands.”

“I know they are in good hands.”

Because The Salvation Army’s support has been so meaningful to her family, Mandy says she hopes to give back in the future, as a way to express her gratitude.

“The Salvation Army has been a blessing,” Mandy says. “Once I can financially afford to, it definitely would be a place I’d like to sponsor.”

By Juan Romero