New camp helps central Arkansas teens mentally prepare for new school year

What could be better than starting the school year with confidence, healthy habits and new friends to help make positive choices?

Camp Thrive, a new summer camp experience, hopes to offer campers a strong beginning in life, personally and academically. The three-day, overnight camp in air-conditioned cabins will be held August 15-17 at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock on the first weekend of the new school year. It is open to students ages 13 -17, beginning in grades 7 through 12.

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is joining forces with the Wolfe Street Foundation’s Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) as it launches the inaugural summer camp for teens. YEP is the first of its kind youth program specially created to provide a positive mental health program to build better futures for teens without the use of substances.

The camp blends classic outdoor fun, such as swimming, canoeing, archery and more, with tools for future success through skill-building, confidence-building and leadership activities. Campers will hear from engaging speakers and take part in activities that will teach them about healthy habits, how to resist negative peer pressure and how to make positive choices.

During the experience, the teens will decide what the coming school year will be like and build friendships and meaningful connections with fellow campers and camp leaders.

The camp’s tuition is $425, but income-based financial assistance is available. For more information, visit wolfestreet.org/yep or call the Wolfe Street Foundation at (501) 372-5662. Click here if you’re interested in sponsoring a camper.