Business Details
20 Years
experience
Empowering Youth Through Summer Camp Access
Since 2006, Summer Camp Scholarships has dedicated itself to transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Washtenaw County through immersive summer camp experiences. Our mission focused on removing financial barriers by providing full scholarships, essential camp gear, and transportation assistance to ensure equitable access. We partnered with local camps like YMCA Camp Copneconic and Wonder at Howell Nature Center, which contributed up to 50% of fees, while our volunteer liaisons supported families through every step of the process.By prioritizing camps with diverse populations and trained counselors, we fostered environments where children developed independence, social skills, and self-confidence through activities like zip lining, canoeing, and team-building exercises. Though we ceased operations in 2022, our legacy continues through Mentor2Youth, ensuring ongoing support for these critical programs.
Services
Summer Camp Scholarships
Transportation Assistance
Camp Gear Provision
Volunteer Liaison Program
Camp Activities Coordination
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We provide full scholarships to overnight camps within an hour of families' homes.
- Our volunteer liaisons offer personalized support for registration and camp preparation.
- We partner with local businesses to supply essential camp gear like sleeping bags and flashlights.
- Camps selected prioritize racial, ethnic, and economic diversity with trained counselors.
- We assist with transportation and offer gift cards for camp clothing purchases.
What people say
Life-changing experiences
Dedicated volunteers
Financial barriers removed
Services
Summer Camp Scholarships
We provided full scholarships for overnight summer camps, prioritizing accessibility through partnerships that reduced costs by 50%. Our program ensured children from low-income families could attend camps within an hour's travel distance. By eliminating financial barriers, we enabled transformative experiences in nature-focused environments.
Camp Gear Provision
We supplied essential gear including sleeping bags, duffels, and flashlights to ensure camp readiness. Local businesses donated additional items like water bottles and ponchos to support campers' needs. This service removed critical obstacles preventing participation in outdoor programs for vulnerable families.
Volunteer Liaison Program
Trained volunteers guided families through registration, paperwork, and preparation for camp attendance. Liaisons coordinated transportation solutions and provided personalized assistance to ensure no child missed opportunities. This service maintained consistent communication between families and camp organizers.
Transportation Assistance
We organized carpools and arranged volunteer-driven transportation for families without reliable vehicles. This service ensured camp access for children whose families couldn't afford gas or vehicle maintenance. Board members personally transported campers when community solutions weren't available.
Camp Activities Coordination
Partner camps offered diverse activities including zip lining, canoeing, and horseback riding to build confidence and skills. Our selection emphasized programs that develop independence through structured outdoor challenges. Counselors focused on social-emotional growth alongside physical adventure experiences.
People
Marilyn Ratliff
Founder
Marilyn Ratliff founded Summer Camp Scholarships in 2006, securing grants and partnerships to send over 1,000 children to camp. She organized school assemblies, trained volunteers, and led operations until her passing in February 2022. Her legacy continues through Mentor2Youth's expanded programs.
Questions
What age groups does your program serve?
We focus on 4th and 5th graders from low-income families in Washtenaw County.
How do you select partner camps?
Camps must offer diversity, trained counselors, and contribute at least 50% of fees.
What support exists for transportation costs?
We organize carpools, provide gas assistance, and arrange volunteer-driven transportation.
How can families obtain camp gear?
We distribute sleeping bags, duffels, and partner with businesses for donated essentials.
What happens if a child needs extra clothing?
Families receive gift cards and discounts at Value World for camp-appropriate clothing.
Who continues your mission now?
Mentor2Youth has taken over our programs and services since November 2022.
