About Us

Too many children lose ground every summer—falling behind in school and missing out on experiences that build confidence and independence.

SCOPE changes that.

Our Mission

SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education) provides children from under-resourced communities with access to life-changing overnight summer camp experiences. We believe that summer camp is a critical first step in addressing America’s education crisis, offering a pathway that leads from camp to the classroom, college, and career.

“We aim to make a difference in the lives of children who, once exposed to the social, emotional, and character-building benefits of summer camp, go on to complete their education, unlocking a world of opportunities too often not available to children who grow up in under-resourced communities.”

— Jay Jacobs, SCOPE Founder

kids playing hand games at camp

We Believe

That all children deserve the chance to experience summer camp to explore, learn, and laugh with friends from sunup to lights out.

That summer camp is where kids discover that they can.

That meeting new people at camp helps children feel like they can belong just about anywhere.

That conquering challenges—on a ropes course or in life—teaches kids to aim higher.

That making a splash in life can start with doing cannonballs off a dock.

That the great outdoors is the greatest classroom.

That every child should know there’s s’more to life out there, and everything they try, discover, and conquer at camp creates a path to even greater possibilities in school, college, their careers, and beyond.

The Four Pathways: Camp, Classroom, College, and Career

Camp is just the beginning. Through SCOPE, kids don’t just experience one summer of opportunity—they embark on a journey that keeps them on track for success in school, college, and beyond.

🏕 Camp

At camp, kids step into new experiences that challenge and inspire them, whether it’s climbing a ropes course or making their first new friend. Surrounded by mentors and a supportive community, they build confidence, independence, and resilience that last far beyond summer.

📚 Classroom

The lessons learned at camp: teamwork, perseverance, and problem-solving, carry over into the classroom, helping kids stay engaged and motivated. With a renewed sense of confidence, SCOPE campers are more likely to stay in school and strive for success.

🎓 College

SCOPE provides scholarships not just for college but also for trade schools, ensuring every child has the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Whether earning a degree or mastering a skilled trade, campers gain the tools and confidence to build a successful future.

💼 Career

Through mentorship, leadership opportunities, and hands-on job training, SCOPE helps young adults take the next step toward their careers. From camp counselor roles to professional networks, these experiences shape future leaders who are ready to thrive in the workforce.

Our Impact

A child’s zip code shouldn’t determine their opportunities. Children from low-income households are three times less likely to have access to the social, emotional, and character-building benefits of summer camp. Let’s fix this.

Since our inception in 1991, SCOPE has:

Funded 30,000 Camperships: Providing transformative summer experiences to children nationwide.

Awarded College and Trade School Scholarships: Supporting students’ continued education and career development.