Summer Camp at Mutual Ground: Growing Stronger Through Community
Every year, the Family Services team devotes the three months of summer to fostering connections with the community and the clients they serve through their annual Summer Camp! Throughout the year, the team invests countless hours in planning, collaborating, and organizing this incredible Summer Camp experience. This initiative not only allows for the kiddos to create new friendships and experiences, but it also provides parents and guardians the extra time during the summer days to relax with the knowledge that their kiddos are enjoying themselves and are safe.
Family Services Case Manager, Lisa with Dave from Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles during Summer Camp 2024
A memorable Summer Camp experience could not be done without the incredible support of our local community! Thanks to the generous lunch donations from individuals and local businesses, the team has been able to dedicate more funds toward enriching the camp experience by organizing exciting entertainment and creating fun activities for the kiddos! From thrilling reptile shows to organized games and themed adventures, some of these most memorable moments have come from our partnerships with local organizations, who have gone above and beyond to offer educational and engaging experiences. Last year, we had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with several amazing community partners, including:
Aurora Public Library – fostering a love of reading and creativity
Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club – bringing calm, joy, and plenty of doggie cuddles
Aurora Police Department – sharing safety tips and building trust
Aurora Fire Department – giving kids a behind-the-scenes look at fire safety
These partnerships have not only created unforgettable memories but have also allowed the kiddos at Summer Camp to come together and connect with their community, while getting to relax and enjoy some fun activities!
Paisley from the Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club
While many of our wonderful partners from last year are returning to bring the same energy and support, we’re also welcoming exciting new contributors to help us create lasting memories for the kids. Among them are the Batavia and North Aurora Police Departments, who will be joining us with their beloved pawfficers, River and Zelda to harvest a connection with the community and create a healthy and fun experience! Additionally, the Family Services Team has been able to expand on their outside activities and aim to create a more engaging and collaborative environment through team sports and hands-on creative projects!
The Family Services Team at Mutual Ground is incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of our community. Each year, our Summer Camp is a success because of the collective efforts of generous individuals, organizations, and partners who come together to create something truly special. From donating time and resources to sharing talents and creativity, your contributions help us provide a safe, joyful, and enriching experience for every child who attends. Summer Camp is a team effort, and we are so grateful to have our community on ours.
Written by Kenzie Citro
Family Services Counselor at Mutual Ground
