Helping kids get financial aid for summer camp
The Compass Project helps kids attend summer camp when the cost is too much for their families.
But the mission is about more than paying for camp. It is about giving children time to feel free and to make friends. Time to try new things and enjoy a part of childhood they may not otherwise get to experience.
My Story
How The Compass Project began
The Compass Project began with my own time at summer camp.
After spending summers as a camper and becoming a Counselor-in-Training, I saw how much those summers had shaped me. Camp gave me space to grow outside of school, away from daily pressure, and around people who encouraged me to try, fail, learn, fail again, and keep going.
That experience stayed with me. And it made me think about the kids who might want the same chance, but whose families could not afford it.
Why I do this work
A lot of kids are under more pressure than people realize. School, family stress, money worries, social pressure, screens, expectations. It can be a lot.
Camp does not fix every problem. But it can give a child a chance to breathe. A place where they are known by new friends and supported by counselors. They're encouraged to take part in something outside their normal routine.
That is what drives The Compass Project. I want more kids to have access to that kind of space, even when the cost would normally keep them out.
Why Camp Matters
Camp gives kids room to be children
At camp, kids get to play, explore, make friends, and try things without the same pressure they may feel at home or school.
They learn how to be part of a group. They spend time with older role models. They build independence by being away from home in a safe setting. And sometimes, they discover confidence they did not know they had.
For some kids, that kind of experience can mean a lot. It can give them memories, skills, and friendships that stay with them long after summer ends.
About Me
David Robinson
Founder
I am a rising senior at a high school in the Boston area. I started The Compass Project after my own camp experience showed me how meaningful those summers can be. I want more kids to have the chance to go to camp, especially when money is the reason they might miss out.
Help make camp possible
The Compass Project exists so more kids can experience the joy, confidence, and friendships that summer camp can bring.
Families can apply for support. Donors can help fund camp opportunities. And together, we can help more kids have a summer that feels open, joyful, and full of possibility