We just wrapped up year four of Community Youth Camp presented by The Columbus Foundation by welcoming 76 kids to KIPP Columbus June 9-12.

Community Youth Camp is a four-day sports sampling camp for 6- to 10-year-olds. Each year, we introduce local kids to new sports, new friends and new opportunities. This year was no different as our campers learned 16 sports/activities including baseball/softball, basketball, dance, field hockey, flag football, futsal, golf, hockey, lacrosse, pickleball, soccer, tennis, track, ultimate frisbee, volleyball and yoga.

The camp provided kids a platform to develop their self-confidence, leadership skills, and resilience. The friendships formed during the camp will continue to flourish, creating a network of support and encouragement for the children as they grow and face new challenges

2025 Fast Facts

• 76 campers attended
• 96% of campers were on a scholarship
• 16 sports played
• 17 local sports organizations provided instructors
• 65+ volunteers from the community
• 4 life lessons delivered by our Emerging Leaders Board members

The last day of camp ended with snow cones from the Snow Sisters and a special appearance from Stinger, the Blue Jackets mascot.

The local community played an active role in supporting the initiative, ranging from 65+ volunteers and 26 organizations who dedicated their time and expertise to sponsors who contributed resources to make the camp possible. This collaboration between the camp organizers and the community created a sense of unity and shared responsibility, ensuring the overall success of the event. Having 96% of the 76 campers on a full scholarship leveled the playing field for all of the kids and was only possible because of our wonderful partners and sponsors.

Campers went home with a number of items donated by our partners, including:

• Stress ball and sunglasses from the USTA Midwest Ohio Valley 
• Hockey stick and ball from the Columbus Blue Jackets 
• Hog Mollis and Mobile Library Books
• Water bottles from Nationwide Children's Hospital 
• Sports-in-a-Bag and T-Shirts from Leveling the Playing Field
• Other digital resources like our guide to keep playing

Thanks to our amazing partners, instructors and volunteers for helping make Community Youth Camp a success.

Sponsors

Instructors

In 2024, we expanded our youth sports offerings by adding a series of one-day clinics alongside major sports events. It's another way to impact the community and bring kids close to the action. Sign up for the Sports Commission Events newsletter to be notified about clinics and other youth sports opportunities.