At the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Foundation, we believe in providing opportunities that change the trajectory of a child’s life. One of the most profound ways we do this is through our partnership with Camp Tecumseh.
The Courage to Leave Home We often forget how daunting the “first time” can be. This year, we spoke with several wonderful young people about the opportunity to attend sleepaway camp. For some, the idea of being away from home for a week was a hurdle they weren’t yet ready to clear. We honor that honesty—it reminds us that the transition to independence is a major life event.
It also makes us incredibly proud of Declan, Tristen, and Addison. These three have taken a giant leap of faith by saying “Yes” to the unknown. When we met with them recently, their energy and bravery were a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do.
The “Business of Growth” Camp Tecumseh operates on a philosophy that aligns perfectly with Kelli’s spirit. They believe that while camp is inherently fun, the real objective is Growth. Every activity is a deliberate “Newdl” (a term they use for engaging the brain/noodle!) designed to build six core characteristics:
Resilience: Learning to bounce back from challenges.
Respect: Valuing oneself, others, and the environment.
Trust: Building reliable bonds with peers and mentors.
Initiative: Finding the “want-to” to lead and participate.
Friendship: Creating connections that last a lifetime.
Joy: Finding the light in every experience.
Watch: Why the World Needs Camp To help our supporters understand the magic of this place, we’ve shared a video below from the team at Camp Tecumseh. It perfectly encapsulates why we choose to send our scholars here year after year.
Pro-Tip: If you only have one minute, skip to the 0:50 mark. You’ll hear their leadership explain the “Business of Growth” and how they help children find the confidence to take on the world.
By supporting the KJO Memorial Foundation, you aren’t just sending kids to camp—you are investing in their future as confident, resilient leaders. We can’t wait to hear the stories Declan, Tristen, and Addison bring back this summer!
