IMPACT STUDY
Building stronger kids from the inside out
ABOUT CAMP TUKU
Building stronger kids from the inside out is what Camp Tuku is all about. At Camp Tuku, the focus extends beyond traditional outdoor fun Children are encouraged to develop resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being through a unique blend of mindfulness, creativity, and nature-based activities. Whether they’re hiking through the woods, exploring new skills, or practicing calming techniques, campers learn to connect with themselves and the world around them. By fostering confidence, curiosity, and compassion, Camp Tuku helps children grow into their best selves, stronger not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally.
Founded in 2020, Camp Tuku was created with a simple but powerful mission: to empower campers to be more resilient in the face of adversity through the integration of mind, body, and heart From its beginning, the camp has blended mindfulness, outdoor adventure, and creative exploration to help children develop resilience, confidence, and emotional balance By encouraging campers to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with both nature and themselves, Camp Tuku offers an experience that nurtures the whole child. Every activity, whether hiking, crafting, or practicing calming techniques, is designed to support personal growth, helping kids become grounded, self-aware, and ready to thrive long after camp ends.
THE CHALLENGE
Today’s youth are growing up in a world filled with pressures that previous generations never faced They are expected to navigate academic demands, social expectations, and an increasingly fast-paced environment before they have fully developed the tools they need to manage it all. As a result, many kids struggle with resilience, finding it harder to bounce back from setbacks or adapt when things don’t go as planned. Instead of seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, many feel overwhelmed or discouraged, unsure of how to cope with disappointment or uncertainty.
At the same time, stress levels among children continue to climb. Kids are juggling more structured activities, busier schedules, and higher performance expectations than ever Exposure to constant streams of information: news, social media, & online comparison adds another layer of pressure Even young children can feel the weight of needing to “keep up,” leading to anxiety, emotional overload, and a sense of never being able to fully unplug Without consistent time to pause, rest, and reset, stress becomes the background noise of daily life
Technology, while offering incredible opportunities, has also created new challenges for kids’ emotional and social development. Many children rely heavily on screens for entertainment, communication, and even identity. Instead of building resilience through real-world problemsolving, they may turn to devices for distraction or comfort. The instant gratification of technology can make it harder for kids to tolerate frustration, wait patiently, or engage deeply in activities that require focus Over time, this constant digital stimulation can dull creativity, reduce attention spans, and limit opportunities for kids to truly connect with themselves
Perhaps the most concerning shift is the decline in genuine human connection As a culture, today we spend far less unstructured time playing, exploring, and interacting face-to-face. In place of organic social experiences like neighborhood play, imaginative games, or long conversations, many kids rely on virtual interactions that lack depth and emotional nuance. As a result, opportunities to build empathy, communication skills, and meaningful relationships are diminished. Feeling isolated despite being constantly “connected” has become a growing reality for many young people.
These challenges underscore the importance of giving children intentional spaces where they can slow down, build inner strength, and reconnect with others in meaningful ways Camps and programs that focus on mindfulness, nature, creativity, and authentic human interaction offer kids a chance to rediscover balance and resilience, tools they will carry with them for life.
OUR SOLUTION
rediscover their inner strength and develop lifelong tools for resilience. Instead of rushing from one obligation to the next, campers are invited to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters: themselves, nature, and one another.
Campers learn simple, age-appropriate techniques such as deep breathing, movement, and guided reflection All of which helps them become more aware of their thoughts and emotions These practices improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and empower kids to pause before reacting By practicing mindfulness in a fun, supportive setting, campers gain skills they can apply long after camp ends, whether facing school pressures, social challenges, or everyday frustrations
Camp Tuku also offers a powerful antidote to technology overuse by immersing kids in nature and hands-on experiences Without the constant pull of screens, children rediscover the joy of being present They hike trails, build projects, explore the outdoors, and engage in creative, sensory-rich activities that stimulate curiosity and imagination This shift from passive digital engagement to active real-world exploration helps rebuild attention spans and strengthens kids’ ability to focus, problem-solve, and persist through challenges.
Perhaps most importantly, Camp Tuku fosters deep human connection. Through cooperative games, reflective group circles, and shared adventures, campers form genuine friendships built on trust, empathy, and teamwork. Counselors trained in SEE Learning & the social-emotional development model promote positive communication and help kids navigate interactions with kindness and confidence. In this supportive community, children feel seen, heard, and valued, h l d gital-first world.
OUR CURRICULUM
One of the ways Camp Tuku helps combat rising stress is through its mindfulness-based approach. Camp Tuku integrates the SEE Learning ® (Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning) framework developed at the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University.
SEE Learning provides kids with concrete, age-appropriate tools for understanding their emotions, building compassion, and developing ethical decision-making skills At camp, these lessons come to life through interactive activities, reflective practices, and guided mindfulness moments that help children connect what they learn to real experiences By weaving SEE Learning into hikes, group circles, creative projects, and even quiet moments in nature, Camp Tuku helps campers cultivate resilience, empathy, and self-awareness in a way that feels natural and fun This approach empowers kids not only to manage stress and navigate challenges but also to build stronger relationships and act with kindness, skills they carry long beyond their time at camp
While at Camp, Campers choose from over 30 electives to blend their passions with their curiosities for trying new things Each activity is facilitated by counselors & led by a Director, an experienced educator who ensures that the SEE curriculum is woven into the heart and soul of each lesson/activity. Consequently, nature hikes become awareness walks, cooperative games morph into lessons on compassion & teamwork, and arts and crafts become an opportunity for self-expression & ethical awareness.
Through this intentional integration, each activity at Camp Tuku becomes more than entertainment; it becomes structured moments of connection & growth. Campers learn resilience, empathy, focus, and self-awareness through authentic engagement in the camp experience.
RESEARCH ON SEL
A Yale University study recently analyzed 424 studies of universal Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs, covering 50 countries & more than 250 individual programs
The results were clear: students who participated in SEL programs had better academic performance, improved socio-emotional skills, attitudes, behaviors, and overall wellbeing On average, these students also reported less anxiety, stress & depression
The benefits of social-emotional learning don’t end when the school bell rings In fact, research shows they thrive in environments beyond the classroom, where children can practice these skills in real, lived experiences. That’s why SEE Learning® is woven into everything we do at Camp Tuku. In a setting free from academic pressure and screens, kids have the space to truly explore who they are, how they feel, and how they connect with others.
Recent studies confirm that SEL programs outside of school, including summer camps and enrichment programs, lead to meaningful gains in children’s emotional regulation, social skills, prosocial behavior, and overall well-being. In these informal learning environments, children have more freedom to try, fail, reflect, and try again. That freedom makes the social-emotional lessons even more powerful. At camp, kids get to apply compassion in group challenges, practice mindfulness on forest trails, and build communication skills by collaborating on creative projects
By integrating SEE Learning into nature hikes, art, games, and daily routines, Camp Tuku transforms ordinary camp moments into opportunities for growth Campers learn to notice their emotions, listen deeply to peers, handle frustration, and make ethical choices not because they’re told to, but because they experience it firsthand These authentic, embodied lessons stay with them long after camp ends, supporting success in school, relationships, and everyday life
At Camp Tuku, SEL isn’t an add-on; it’s the heart of our mission. And being outside the classroom is what makes it so effective.
By integrating SEE Learning into nature hikes, art, games, and daily routines, Camp Tuku transforms ordinary camp moments into opportunities for growth.
MEASURED IMPACT
In 2022 Camp Tuku partnered with Emory University’s Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion Based Ethics to implement an evidence based curriculum supporting youth socialemotional wellness at camp, SEE Learning Amid the great outdoors, we are able to provide young people with practical tools to nurture their inner resilience, create a growth mindset, improve relational skills, and further develop an ethical compass by which they can create a joyful path to realizing their full potential
2025 SEE LEARNING RESULTS
of Camp Tuku Campers reported they spent more time outside at Camp Tuku than they normally would
84% 78% reported they learned more about compassion for others 84% said they tried something at Camp that they had never tried before 80% said they were able to return to a zone of wellbeing more often than they were able to do before camp
WHO CAMP TUKU SERVED IN 2025
PROGRAMMING
WHAT WE FOCUS ON EACH DAY
1
Our daily themes serve as anchor points for camp activities. These themes also inform choices campers make as they learn new ways to support their own wellbeing (mind, heart, body) and live in harmony with other campers.
PATH TO HAPPINESS
Awareness of contributors to happiness (relationship to kindness and generosity)
SELFAWARENESS
3
Enhance awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings; greater appreciation of others and their mental lives
COMPASSION FOR SELF & OTHERS
5
Understand the value of perspectivetaking to create positive relationships and problem solving; Develop Growth Mindset
2
RESILIENCE ZONES
Develop skills to identify one’s “Zone” (high, okay, low) and the resources to return to the OK zone (i.e., relaxed)
NAVIGATING EMOTION
4
6
Develop self-regulation skills; ability to discern behavior that is beneficial to self and others from that which is not
BUILDING A BETTER WORLD
Explore one’s potential to effect positive change (e g , at home, school, community, world)
PHILANTHROPY
Camp Tuku is a nonprofit organization with a mission to build stronger kids from the inside out, and we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the transformative power of camp, regardless of their family’s income. Each year, we strive to welcome as many campers as possible, providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow in resilience, confidence, and connection. To make this vision a reality, we rely on the generosity of donors who share our commitment to nurturing the next generation.
Your support helps fund scholarships, program resources, and essential staff training, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of a child’s personal growth. By contributing to Camp Tuku, you become part of a community that empowers children to thrive emotionally, socially, and ethically long after they leave camp.
In 2025, Camp Tuku distributed over $6,000 of camperships to families who would otherwise not be able to afford camp As enrollment for 2026 has opened, it has become increasingly clear that families are struggling with inflationary pressures & the need for financial assistance is greater than ever Statistics are clear, our youth are in crisis from declining rates of outdoor play, to increasing rates of depression/anxiety, and an ever-growing influence of technology & social media Our youth NEED human connection, time outdoors, and the skills necessary to navigate the world around them with confidence & resilience
Your generous donation to our Campership fund can make attending Camp Tuku a reality for campers in need Will you help empower our youth with the opportunity to learn the tools necessary to be more successful, resilient, and empathetic humans?