By Kristen Strauss, Manager of Youth Programs & Education Initiatives
For two decades, KinderCamp, a signature early education initiative of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA), has helped thousands of children across northern Arizona take their first confident steps into kindergarten.
This summer marked the program’s 20th year, and with it came exciting growth, new partnerships, and a continued commitment to ensuring that every child is ready to thrive from day one of school.
I just joined UWNA this year as the Manager of Youth Programs & Education Initiatives, so organizing this 20th anniversary edition of KinderCamp was my introduction to this amazing program. One of the things that made our team so proud was adding new communities into the KinderCamp experience.
This year’s KinderCamp served nearly 140 students in five communities: Flagstaff, Williams, and Pinetop-Lakeside, as well as Joseph City and Holbrook, both of which were new to the program this year.
Held during the month of June, KinderCamp is designed for children ages four and five who have had minimal preschool experience, some of whom may face additional challenges, such as language barriers, special needs, or economic hardship. The free program is provided in partnership with local school districts and gives children the academic and social-emotional tools they need to succeed – not just in kindergarten, but throughout their educational journey.
Building Skills – and Confidence
In KinderCamp, children learn more than just their letters and numbers. They become familiar with classroom routines, practice solving problems with peers, and learn how to navigate school settings like cafeterias, hallways, and playgrounds.
In Flagstaff, where 65 students completed the KinderCamp program at Thomas School, the benefits were clear:
- 18 students received special education services in preschool through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
- 7 students were cared for by grandparents or foster families.
- 14 students spoke a language other than English at home.
Sara Owens, who coordinates the Flagstaff KinderCamp, told me that their students made significant progress in key areas like writing their names, problem-solving with friends, and gaining independence in everyday school activities.
“In addition, parents told staff they feel more comfortable with sending their child to school and that this program helped their entire family prepare for the transition to kindergarten,” she said.
It was a pleasure for all of us involved – partners, educators, and parents – to see these young learners growing in skills and confidence throughout the month. During the “bridging over” ceremonies in all five communities, we met so many families who appreciated this program and were overwhelmed with excitement for their kiddos to start kindergarten.
Looking Ahead: KinderCamp & Beyond
As KinderCamp marks its 20th anniversary, UWNA is not only celebrating past successes but also planning for the future.
A new initiative, KinderCamp & Beyond, will follow KinderCamp graduates throughout their academic careers, offering resources, guidance, and connections to help them succeed through high school and beyond.
In addition, KinderCamp participants in Coconino County received a “Teal Ticket” from Coconino Community College (CCC), guaranteeing free tuition at CCC upon high school graduation. Those who complete their associate’s degree can then use a “Golden Ticket” from Northern Arizona University (NAU) to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree tuition-free. These groundbreaking partnerships ensure that a path to higher education is visible from the very first steps of a child’s academic journey.
Powered by Community Support
None of this would be possible without the generosity of individual donors and corporate sponsors who understand the transformative power of early education. We are grateful to this year’s KinderCamp sponsors, including:
- The NARBHA Institute
- City of Flagstaff
- Coconino County Board of Supervisors
- Nestle Purina Charitable Trust
- APS (Arizona Public Service)
- SRP (Salt River Project)
- PNC Foundation
- Northern Arizona University
- Coconino Community College
- BMO Bank
- Kinney Construction Services
- Wellpoint
With your continued support, KinderCamp and the new KinderCamp & Beyond initiative will ensure that more children across northern Arizona have the chance to start strong, dream big, and achieve great things.
