Summer means warmer weather and more daylight – it also means more free time, opportunity to break routine, and take advantage of all this time of year has to offer. With the inspiration of our community partners, we are sharing five ways to have an action-packed summer filled with exciting and new experiences for kids and families.

While waiting a new heart in 2021, 14-month-old Samuel endured a long inpatient stay at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. As a toddler, he should have been taking his first steps, jumping, and busting with energy, but instead he was confined to four walls. Fortunately, David found comfort in music therapy sessions provided at CHM.

“The first time I got on a pony was really scary for me,” said Maddie, a high school freshman who has been a participant of Detroit Horse Power since 2021.

The importance of mental health has increased in recent years, becoming a major topic especially among our youth. For this reason, The Children’s Foundation has made Mental Health one of its primary focus areas. Our goal is to change the conversation, provide help and solutions to struggling youth, and establish preventive measures for all children and young adults.

Campers tried new activities, expanding appreciation for the outdoors and nature, engaging in physical activities, making new friendships, and practicing essential living skills while away from home.

“We can no longer think about trauma as what happened to someone else’s child, we have to think like it has happened to our own child,” noted Dr. Robert Shaner, superintendent, Rochester Community Schools.

Campers tried new activities, expanding appreciation for the outdoors and nature, engaging in physical activities, making new friendships, and practicing essential living skills while away from home.