Looking ahead with hope

Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Ahead with Hope

As the echoes of summer fade and the last pages of our 2025 camp logbook close, we are filled with gratitude for a season that was nothing short of extraordinary. This year, Camp Opportunity once again welcomed children who have experienced abuse and neglect into a space where joy, healing, and resilience take root.

We saw laughter around campfires, courage while canoeing, and bonds of friendship that reminded us all why this work matters. There’s something profoundly healing about being in nature—the way the outdoors invites you to breathe deeper, let go of your worries, and simply be. For one week, our campers get to leave their troubles behind and just be kids again. None of it would have been possible without the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the unwavering belief of our community in the power of camp.

But this season wasn’t just about the memories we made. It was also a year of reflection and growth. We recognize there are areas where we can continue to strengthen: expanding our reach to serve more children, ensuring staff and volunteers have the training they need, and building systems that sustain Camp Opportunity for generations to come.

One of the most exciting steps forward has been the formation of our new leadership team. This dedicated group is ready to carry our mission into the future with energy, vision, and a deep commitment to our campers. Together, we are planting seeds of hope today that will grow into opportunities tomorrow.

As we look ahead, we invite you to be part of the magic. Our Fund A Camper campaign—an important part of our Shining Stars: A Night of Hope & Opportunity program—helps make it possible for children to experience the life-changing week of camp next summer. Each donation directly supports a camper’s full experience, from meals and activities to the compassionate 1:1 counselor relationship that makes Camp Opportunity so special. If you can’t attend the Shining Stars event, you can still help us meet our $20,000 goal by joining the Fund A Camper initiative and giving a child the gift of belonging.

And don’t miss our new two-minute video, created in partnership with United Way of Central Maryland, that beautifully captures the heart of our mission and the smiles of our campers.

As we turn toward 2026, we do so with clear eyes and open hearts. We envision a year where even more children discover their self-worth, where our community grows stronger in support, and where Camp Opportunity shines brighter than ever before.

We invite you to join us in this next chapter. Whether through volunteering, donating, or sharing our story, you are part of this journey—and together, we will continue to change lives, one camper at a time.

Thank you for being part of our community.

-Trish Woodward, Executive Director