2019 2019 Annual Report Annual Report

A letter from

Jack

At Camp Harbor View, a thousand kids build relationships, explore possibilities and challenge limits in our programs each year. A vibrant, diverse community is at the heart of our mission and together we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the youth and families we serve.

Over the past 14 years, we’ve grown and evolved, strengthening our programs and deepening our impact. Now, we have a responsibility to look toward the future and to ensure the opportunities afforded to today’s campers are available to Boston youth for years to come. We hope you will join us in our continued commitment to work toward a more equitable future for Boston.

Jack Connors, Jr.

Chairman

Camp Harbor View answers a demonstrated need for underserved youth at a critical time in their lives. We believe opportunity makes all the difference. With meaningful investment in our youth, together we will build a stronger future for Boston.

Pathways to Success

It All Begins at Camp

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Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool

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Ropes Course

Ropes Course

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Great Hall

Great Hall

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Basketball Court

Basketball Court

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Water Sports

Water Sports

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In 2019, we welcomed nearly 1000 young people to Long Island in Boston Harbor for a summer of fun. Over the course of two months, campers spent their summer days swimming, biking, fishing, dancing, sailing, rock climbing and more. With the chance to try new activities, make new friends and set new goals, campers have the opportunity to challenge themselves in differing and varied ways in a safe, comfortable, supportive environment. Beyond typical summer camp activities, youth also have access to round-trip transportation, breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, free dental and vision screenings, full-time onsite clinical social workers, career exploration, and experiential learning opportunities.

About Summer Camp

Founded in 2007 as a summer camp for underserved youth in Boston, Camp Harbor View is perhaps best known for the signature summer program. Young people join the community as campers entering middle school and, for four weeks each summer, kids have the opportunity to be kids. Building confidence, unlocking creativity and broadening their horizons, participants experience full days of summer fun on Long Island in Boston Harbor. Before long, the once timid campers are maturing into young adults, approaching high school, and eligible to continue on into the Camp Harbor View Leadership Academy.

A Day on the Island

kids looking over the boat railing
arriving on the island
a soccer match on green grass
learning about stem science programs
swimming in the pool
busy great hall at lunch time
learning to play the cello
campers sailing on a summer day in Boston Harbor
gathering paddles on the beach
getting ready to board the boat home
kids waving on the boat deck

Good Morning Campers

Each summer morning 450 campers, 125 Leaders in Training and 100 staff arrive in the Seaport on 14 buses from neighborhoods across the city and board the ferry to camp.

Camp Harbor View is a part of the heart and soul of the city of Boston. The impact is amazing and the effect ripples to other kids in the community.

Mayor Marty Walsh

Growing the Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy is an opportunity to both strengthen meaningful relationships and provide necessary support. With newly structured school-year programs completing their first cycle in early 2019, the Leadership Academy offered greater opportunities to engage the youth we serve individually and in group settings. Building on the Academy’s pilot year, we expanded our South End program space by 6,000 square feet in the fall of 2019 and enrolled over 150 young people in school-year pathway programs. From exploring potential career pathways to managing college applications, the youth we serve have access and exposure to learning opportunities in a supportive, comfortable environment. In 2019, the Leadership Academy had over 350 program hours of mentorship, exploration and community.

About Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy is dedicated to leadership development for young people in grades 9 through 12 with programs focused on navigating high school, exploring post-secondary opportunities and developing critical life skills in preparation for future challenges. Consisting of the RISE and Leader in Training programs, all Leadership Academy participants have access to one-on-one support, grade-based weeknight programs and monthly Saturday workshops throughout the school year.

Darren

Nandie

Chika

Photo of Chika smiling in white sweatshirt

Brandan

Photo of Brandan smiling with a hat on
9th
10th
11th
12th
9th Grade

A Year of Discovery

We developed the RISE program as a means to provide continuous support from the time youth enter Camp Harbor View as 6th grade campers until they graduate as 12th grade LITs. With an intentionally broad curriculum, RISE is an opportunity for 9th graders to think critically, set goals and build community. RISE completed its first program year in the spring of 2019. In the fall, the program expanded to a second weeknight, ensuring equal, quality content for all participants.

About RISE Program

As campers age out of summer camp entering 9th grade, they are encouraged to join the RISE program and stay with Camp Harbor View as they transition into high school. Open to all youth who previously attended camp, RISE, which stands for Realizing Interests through Support and Exploration, acts as a bridge between their last summer of camp and the following summer when they’re eligible to join the Leader in Training program.

The sense of community in RISE is strong. My biggest takeaway so far is the idea of self-awareness — who I am now and who I want to become.

Darren, 9th grade
10th Grade

Career Exploration

Following the RISE program, rising 10th graders have the opportunity to apply for the Leader in Training (LIT) program. As new LITs, participants work at camp during the summer, embedded in camper groups to assist and support summer staff. Then come fall, they continue with weekly Leadership Academy programs. The 10th grade cohort focuses on career pathways, exploring different fields and professions each month of the school year.

About LIT Program

Our three-year Leader in Training program is a stipended, year-round commitment for individuals in grades 10-12. Progressing through the program, each cohort’s content is customized by grade level with individualized social and emotional support and mentorship constant throughout. During the school year, young people participate in life-skill focused content, learning about various career pathways, financial literacy, civic engagement and job readiness. During the summer, LITs are afforded a summer job at camp, acting as junior camp counselors and mentors to campers.

It’s changed my perspective. There are so many things you can do with your life. Anything is possible if you are yourself.

Nandie, 10th grade
11th Grade

Preparation & Planning

Building on the thematically structured first year of the LIT program, the 11th grade cohort is varied and individualized. Rising 11th graders play a facilitating role at camp, providing support across the five program areas and helping to lead campers through a variety of activities. The school-year programs put emphasis on mentorship, forming and developing a post-secondary plan with each participant based on their individual needs and interests.

About LIT Program

Our three-year Leader in Training program is a stipended, year-round commitment for individuals in grades 10-12. Progressing through the program, each cohort’s content is customized by grade level with individualized social and emotional support and mentorship a constant throughout. During the school year, young people participate in life-skill focused content, learning about various career pathways, financial literacy, civic engagement and job readiness. Then, during the summer, LITs are afforded a summer job at camp, acting as junior camp counselors and mentors to campers.

It’s comforting to know there isn’t just one correct path. There are choices after high school.

Chika, 11th grade
12th Grade

Future Steps

In the final year of the LIT program, 12th graders are encouraged to use their individual strengths and skills to meet the needs of campers and the larger community during the summer. During the school year, the 12th grade cohort looks toward the future with college and scholarship applications top of mind along with content on financial literacy basics, resume writing and job readiness skill development.

About LIT Program

Our three-year Leader in Training program is a stipended, year-round commitment for individuals in grades 10-12. Progressing through the program, each cohort’s content is customized by grade level with individualized social and emotional support and mentorship a constant throughout. During the school year, young people participate in life-skill focused content, learning about various career pathways, financial literacy, civic engagement and job readiness. Then, during the summer, LITs are afforded a summer job at camp, acting as junior camp counselors and mentors to campers.

Camp Harbor View gave me confidence. My main takeaway is to always surround yourself with quality people. I’ve found a home here.

Brandan, 12th grade

Deepening our Impact with Youth and Families

This year we continued to build Youth and Family Support initiatives in an effort to meet the needs of Camp Harbor View families. From financial literacy and planning for college to food assistance and holiday support, the team offers continuous engagement and learning opportunities and coordinated resources for youth and families during the summer and throughout the year.

About Support Initiatives

At the Leadership Academy and Summer Camp, all youth have continued access to a team of social workers who assist with a range of social and emotional needs. Along with individualized support and counseling, we partner with organizations throughout the city of Boston to offer educational group programs as well as referral resources for youth in our programs and their parents.

2019 Impact by the Numbers

478

volunteers

68

program partners

44

scholarship recipients

108

family resource referrals

250

Thanksgiving turkeys
A message from

Sharon and Lisa

A recent study from the Institute for Child, Youth and Family Policy at Brandeis University concluded that when it comes to children’s prospects in life, the neighborhoods where they grow up matter a lot.  Schools, safety, access to healthy food and places to play are all things that help to shape their futures. 

At Camp Harbor View, our daily mission is to compensate for what might be missing in the neighborhoods where our campers live, and by so doing, create meaningful opportunities for Boston’s youth.  At our summer camp, we encourage campers to discover new talents, friendships and moments of joy. When the school year begins, the focus turns to the teens who attend our Leadership Academy, where they have the opportunity to be mentored by supportive adults and to explore future academic and career pathways.

Our goal is to create a sense of community and belonging amongst the youth we serve (and their families) in order to make a measurable difference in their collective future. Our investment in the youth of our city is a catalyst for future opportunity and economic success for our young people, and we are very appreciative of your support.

Sharon McNally

President

Lisa Fortenberry

Executive Director
Celebrating Camp Harbor View 365

Beach Ball

The Beach Ball is a highlight of the Camp Harbor View calendar each year and 2019 was no exception. On June 8th, over 850 guests filled The Warehouse at Flynn Cruiseport Boston in celebration and support of Camp Harbor View. Mayor Marty Walsh & Governor Charlie Baker kicked off the evening, followed by Camp Harbor View co-founder Jack Connors. Guests then enjoyed dinner and dancing after hearing of the personal impact year-round structure and support had on Kelsy, a 10th grade participant, with her mentor, Danah Blake, a youth worker in the Leader in Training program, by her side. Bryan Rafanelli, a member of Camp Harbor View’s Board of Directors, and his team at Rafanelli Events produced yet another inspiring event, emphasizing the growth and development of the year-round programs by celebrating 365 days of Camp Harbor View.

Co-Chairs

Jack Connors, Jr.

Connors Family Office

Tim Ferris

Massachusetts General Physicians Organization

Sonja Kelly

The Kelly Family Foundation

Joseph R. Nolan, Jr.

Eversource Energy

Dinner Commitee

Jeff Bellows

Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Massachusetts

Chris Boland

Boathouse Group

David Bresnahan

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Lori Cashman

Victress Capital

John Cook

UBS Financial Services

John Farina

PwC

Jim Gallagher

Manulife | John Hancock

David Hoffmann

Dunkin’ Brands

Patricia Jacobs

AT&T New England

Ian Loring

Bain Capital

Marion Martignetti

Skip McKee

Brand Think

Brian Mulvey

Minot Wealth Investment

John Navien

Navien Financial

Meg Reynolds

Westwood Global Investment

Fred Seigel

Beacon Capital Partners

Jill Shah

Shah Family Foundation

Some Beach Ball Moments

LEARN MORE ABOUT BEACH BALL 2020

As the African proverb says, it takes a village to raise a child and Camp Harbor View has been a part of that village for our son and many others.

Jana Milton, Parent

Citython

On November 16th, a record 938 runners coursed through 3.1 miles of Boston streets on a frigid Saturday morning for the 4th annual Citython 5k road race. Mayor Marty Walsh and Camp Harbor View co-founder Jack Connors kicked off the race on the Boston Common, before sending runners off through the neighborhoods of Back Bay and Kenmore. The twenty-degree temperatures didn’t stop participants from toasting their race with emcee Jenny Johnson and a Craft Brewers Guild selection of beverages during the post-race celebration. Presenting sponsors Income Research + Management and the Sheehan Family Companies raised the 2019 event to a new level, highlighting the opportunity Camp Harbor View programs provide Boston youth and their families throughout the year.

Some Citython Moments

LEARN MORE ABOUT CITYTHON
Supporters headline
Champions of our Mission

Board of Directors

Jack Connors, Jr., Chairman

Connors Family Office

Lori Cashman

Victress Capital

Abe Ceesay

Tiburio Therapeutics

John Connors, III

Boathouse Group

Darren Donovan

KPMG

Matt Fishman

Partners HealthCare

David Hoffmann

Dunkin’ Brands

Melissa Weiner Janfaza

Sonja Kelly

The Kelly Family Foundation

Sam Kennedy

Boston Red Sox

Josh Kraft

Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston

Sharon McNally, President

Camp Harbor View

Joseph R. Nolan, Jr.

Eversource Energy

Bill O’Malley

Income Research + Management

Bryan Rafanelli

Rafanelli Events

Girard R. Sargent

Citizens Bank

Fred Seigel

Beacon Capital Partners

Orlando C. Watkins

The Boston Foundation

Davis Weinstock

Advisory Council

Jeff Bellows

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Cathleen Connors

JP Morgan

John Corcoran

Coldwell Banker

Tom Crohan

John Hancock

Meredith DeWitt

Meredith J. DeWitt Consulting

Peter Farrington

UBS Financial Services

Tim Galvin

Partners HealthCare

Balaji Gandhi

Phreesia

Pat Glynn

Newmark Knight Frank

Kerry Harrison

Citizens Bank

Sarah Hood

Boston College

Jeff Hubbard

PwC

Jenny Johnson

NESN

Kristin Keating

Ernst & Young

Kanna Kunchala

City Year

Neil McCullagh

Boston College

David McGrath

Indigo Ag

Rick Musiol

New England Aquarium

Michaela McMahon Popeo

Graham Shalgian

Rasky Baerlein

Albert Sharlow

Jacobs Engineering

Lisa Strobel

PwC

Anthony Tivnan

Magellan Jets

Morgan Weinstein

Phase 3 Properties

Thank You

At Camp Harbor View, the programs and services we offer depend on the generous support of donors. Your investment in Camp Harbor View is a direct investment in the youth we serve — the future of Boston. Thank you for believing in our mission. Because of you, Camp Harbor View is possible.

2019 Donor List

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