This summer, Camp Catalyst brought together children, families, and community partners for a season filled with creativity, connection, and growth. Designed for 3rd–5th grade youth living in Housing Catalyst communities, the four-week camp offered a high-quality experience that blended literacy support, social-emotional learning (SEL), and hands-on enrichment.
Thanks to support from Bohemian Fund Grant and internal Housing Catalyst funds, Camp Catalyst was provided free of charge for all campers.
Why Camp Catalyst Matters
Camp Catalyst is more than just a summer camp—it’s a model for how affordable housing communities can be vibrant centers of learning, belonging, and innovation. It’s a place where neurodiverse and neurotypical children can thrive together, families connect with schools and resources, and community partners collaborate with Housing Catalyst staff to create a safe, supportive environment for kids to grow. As one parent shared:
“This was the first time my child was excited to go to camp every day. He felt safe, had fun, and didn’t feel different from the other kids.”
Powered by Partnerships
Camp Catalyst was made possible through the collaboration of several community partners who brought specialized programming to our campers:
- Foundations Music School guided campers in writing and performing an original camp song, while teaching music fundamentals to spark creativity and confidence.
- Quarter Project led hands-on STEM activities, encouraging curiosity and problem-solving through engaging projects.
- Colorado Forest Service / Kids in Nature introduced campers to the joy of the outdoors with nature-based learning and environmental exploration.
These partnerships added depth and diversity to the camp experience, allowing campers to explore new interests and build valuable skills.
Social-Emotional Learning
Beyond scheduled activities, Camp Catalyst emphasizes social-emotional learning (SEL) to foster a sense of belonging and personal growth. Staff facilitated daily SEL-focused sessions that encouraged emotional regulation, teamwork, and youth voice. Campers participated in rituals like morning check-ins, collaborative problem-solving, and creative expression through team banners and flags. They also had access to both active play and calming spaces, including a quiet room and outdoor areas designed for reflection and regulation.
“Camp Catalyst is special because it gives kids a place where they feel like they belong, try new things, and build confidence. You can see them light up when they’re making music, exploring nature, or working through challenges with their team. My hope for next year is to keep growing the program so even more kids and families can share in that experience.” – Carri Ratazzi, MSW/LSW, Director of Housing Catalyst Resident Services
Looking Ahead
Camp Catalyst continues to be a powerful example of what’s possible when housing, education, and community come together. As we look forward to next summer, our goal is grow the program, deepen the impact, and ensure even more children and families experience the joy of learning, belonging, and discovery.
