While our camp began in 1998, Cabins4Kids hasn’t always been known by that name. Originally called Open Camp, and later American Royal Ranch Camp through a partnership with the American Royal, the purpose and experience we provide has remained the same: experiential learning for youth in a camp setting to promote self-esteem, civic engagement, and leadership.

Cabins4Kids started as a project for Junior Leaders in Johnson County 4-H. Extension Agent Al Davis gathered five teens, ages 14–18, to explore how to expand their love for camp to a wider group of children. After considering marketing a traditional overnight camp, the group decided to seek grant funding to create a camp for children ages 7–12 who might not otherwise have access. Because the camp was open to any interested child, it became known as Open Camp.

The first year brought a steep learning curve. Campers came from communities typically underserved by overnight camps, including foster, low-income, and immigrant families. Of the 60 campers, 58 attended on scholarship funded by a youth-development grant from the Kauffman Foundation. The 12 teen counselors quickly realized the challenges of leading children new to camp, but they adapted by setting clear expectations and fostering unity and pride within the group. The campers’ excitement and gratitude made it clear that the camp was worth continuing.

Over the years, funding and logistics remained challenges, but Cabins4Kids persevered, supported by the Kauffman Foundation, Johnson County Research & Extension, JJA grants, the American Royal, and private donors. In 2004, we launched Leadership 101, teaching former campers ages 13–14 the skills to become counselors, creating a self-sustaining leadership pipeline.

Campers also gained exposure to higher education through visits to college campuses and programs at K-State, KU, Washburn, and local tech schools. Many had never considered higher education, and these experiences inspired some to pursue college degrees, including one of our first campers-turned-counselors who later enrolled at K-State in Agricultural Business.

By 2010, Cabins4Kids became an independent nonprofit, guided by former counselors Leah Cogswell and Sarah Wolters, and Al Davis. After losing our long-time facility in 2019 and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the camp adapted with virtual programming and day camps. Post-pandemic, we found a new home at Timber Lakes Camp near Ottawa, Kansas.

Though the camp has evolved in name, location, and structure, its mission remains unchanged: to provide inclusive, transformative experiences that foster self-esteem, leadership, and community, ensuring every child can answer, “What did you do this summer?” with a story of their own.