Summer to Remember: Creativity, Connection & Confidence at Broomfield's Youth Camps

Twenty-five Broomfield students got their hands dirty at Broomfield FISH planting and harvesting garden vegetables and made sign markers for the garden.

For twenty-five kids in Broomfield, summer camp wasn’t just fun—it was free, enriching, and designed just for them. The Broomfield Early Childhood Council(BECC) facilitated two weeklong camps offered at no cost to local families. The children, ranging from ages 5 to 14, were primarily recruited from families connected to Broomfield FISH and The Refuge—two trusted nonprofit partners that serve lower-income and higher-need populations. BECC also conducted direct outreach to residents of Village Square and Garden Center Apartments, neighborhoods with a higher concentration of families facing economic barriers.

For many of these youth, this program provided more than just summer activities—it opened the door to new experiences, local exploration, and positive relationships in a safe, supportive environment.

Held at The Refuge and Broomfield FISH facilities, camps were fully coordinated by BECC and through the Broomfield Community Foundation’s Youth Opportunity Fund. We covered food and project expenses for the two weeks. Every camper received a healthy meal each day, a full schedule of engaging activities, and the chance to build connections with peers, mentors, and their broader community.

Throughout the week, campers:

• Completed the Broomfield Library Summer Adventure and received prizes
• Made tie-dye shirts, perler beads, and clay art thanks to creative program leaders
• Visited the Veterans Museum, Depot Museum, and inventHQ
• Explored the FISH garden, helped harvest produce, and even tasted pesto and purslane
• Learned about empathy and storytelling with Mirror Image Arts
• Created a new mural at The Refuge with Mary Wilkie, depicting community and trust
• Rode the FlexRide system—many for the first time—learning it’s free for families all summer
• Spent quality time with emotional support dogs, YES youth volunteers, and dedicated camp staff

Alongside the activities, campers built trust, discovered new places in their city, and felt seen and valued. “Summer camp was the highlight of their break,” one program leader shared. “They’re already asking if we’ll be back next year.”

Because when every child has the chance to belong, explore, and thrive, our whole community grows stronger.

The images above show programming from the BECC-led day camps. The BCF granted funds for meals and activity-specific supplies.

More impact stories →