At Camp Atlas, our values shape every moment — from daily activities to long-term relationships. They reflect how we show up for our youth, our staff, and our community year-round.

Community

Community is the core of Camp Atlas. We want our youth — and our staff, many of whom are former foster youth — to know they belong here.
Camp doesn’t end on the last day. We stay connected 365 days a year, offering guidance around housing, education, and independent living.
Because foster youth often grow up without the natural reminders of where they come from, we intentionally build relationships that last. When they’re ready, our youth return as mentors, counselors, and volunteers — continuing the cycle of support.

Agency

Agency means giving youth room to choose, explore, and learn within safe boundaries.
Many foster youth haven’t had consistent control over their lives, and agency can show up as self-protection or reaction. We model a healthier version: communicating needs, making decisions, and standing in your truth.
Camp Atlas weaves in real-world lessons — how to talk to a social worker, request a CASA, communicate with an attorney, or ask for what they need — all in organic, engaging ways.

Connection

Connection turns experiences into belonging.
We create spaces where youth connect with each other, with the land, and with themselves. They learn community care by hearing different stories, perspectives, and lived experiences.
These relationships last long beyond camp, becoming support networks they can rely on.

Advocacy

Advocacy is where all our values meet.
By grounding youth in community, agency, and connection, we help them build the confidence to advocate for themselves and others. We want every camper to leave knowing how to navigate systems, use their voice, and create change.