5 Nonprofits Bringing Unforgettable Experiences To Kids

Childhood is a time of great exploration and growth, as kids learn about themselves, their peers, and the world at large. Naturally, school provides a wealth of learning opportunities, but numerous extracurricular groups also help in this area. If you want to learn more about their work, then here, listed in no particular order, is a selection of organizations creating unique experiences for young people.

Coming in at #1 is Kate's Club. Established in 2003, this Atlanta-based organization helps children and young adults through the grieving process. Founder Kate Atwood started the nonprofit after experiencing the death of her mother at a young age.

Kate's Club offers social and therapeutic programming to school-age children who have lost a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. Through support groups, recreational outings, and holiday-related initiatives, the organization strives to empower the young people it serves. Additionally, it runs Camp Good Mourning, which combines outdoor fun and games with grief support activities.

In the #2 spot is We Promise Foundation, the charitable arm of Chartway Federal Credit Union. As a nonprofit, it provides one-of-a-kind experiences for young people going through medical hardship or illness. Formally launched in 2005, it has partnered with several other organizations in support of its mission, including Families of Autistic Children in Tidewater and Toby’s Dream Foundation.

We Promise has arranged a number of different memorable experiences for its beneficiaries, from sports outings to trips to Disney. This nonprofit, based in Virginia Beach, also hosts fundraisers that benefit its work. These events include golf competitions, entertaining performances, and silent auctions.

At #3 is San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, located in Escondido, California. This nonprofit, which was founded in 1999, features interactive educational exhibits and programs that explore science, art, and history. Each year, it records more than 100,000 visitors.

SDCDM maintains a number of separate exhibits, including an outdoor discovery zone with nature-based learning and an indoor experimentation area that promotes critical thinking skills. Furthermore, it often takes its educational offerings on the road, conducting mobile exhibits and workshops in classrooms and at special events. The organization also runs camps for young people throughout the year.

Coming in at #4 is KABOOM!. Based in Washington, D.C., this national nonprofit teams up with communities to create kid-designed play areas. Highlighting the connection between recreation and physical, social, and emotional health, it works to build spaces that spark inspiration and opportunities for kids of all backgrounds.

This nonprofit estimates that it has built or improved upon more than 17,000 playspaces across the country since its founding in 1996. To accomplish this, it has partnered with a number of outside organizations, such as the Rebuild Texas Fund and the Colorado Health Foundation. The grants that it awards help fund a variety of building projects, from multi-sport courts to adventure courses.

Last but not least, at #5 is Camp Corral. This Raleigh-based nonprofit runs a unique summer camp for children of wounded, ill, injured, or fallen military service members. It strives to be a transformative experience for attendees, mixing outdoor activities with opportunities to forge new friendships and build emotional resiliency.

Camp Corral runs programs all across the country, with past sites in places such as Greensboro, North Carolina and Eagle Bay, New York. The military children who attend its camping experiences can partake in a variety of different activities, from ropes courses and water sports to storytelling and yoga. Elsewhere, this nonprofit promotes discussion on the military and family matters via its blog, sharing posts on things like holiday reflections and volunteering initiatives.