The Learning Curve Chronicles: Introducing Camp Kaleidoscope
- Kris Alexander
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
In this monthly blog series, Circles USA Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander shares insights on her learning journey, sources of inspiration, and what excites her about her work. The column offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the learning curve that drives growth and progress at CUSA as we continually deepen and enhance our mission of building community to end poverty.
At Circles, we have two big goals:
To support individuals and families as they leave poverty behind for good.
To remove the systemic barriers that keep people stuck in poverty.
Today, I want to tell you about a new initiative that beautifully supports both—especially the second goal of removing barriers. It’s called Camp Kaleidoscope, and it was created to break down the many obstacles that prevent Circles youth from experiencing something that should be a joyful part of growing up: summer camp.
When I was a kid, summer camp was a regular part of my life. My favorite was South Mountain Christian Camp, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. What made this camp special was that it was designed for low-income children, with a commitment to welcoming every child—regardless of ability to pay.
Now, I didn’t come from a low-income family. My parents were donors to the camp and brought me along to a dinner there one evening. I was hooked. I begged to attend, and they finally let me, mildly confused about what made that camp the one I picked.
Once I got there, I stood out in every way. I was already a socially awkward, nerdy kid who didn’t quite click with my peers. At this camp, I was also the economic and cultural outsider. Most of the campers were kids from urban areas who had never swum in a lake or gone hiking in the woods. I loved it all as a small town mountain girl—but I was often teased and excluded.
And yet, I kept going back.
That experience shaped me. It taught me that even when things are hard or awkward, we can still find belonging, joy, and transformation in diverse community.
Summer Camp is one of those quintessential childhood experiences that shapes individuals’ whole lives. Sadly, many of the children whose families are part of Circles don’t have the chance to attend summer camp at all. Even when financial barriers are lifted, there are still so many challenges: transportation, childcare needs at home, lack of information or internet access, and emotional or logistical burdens that make traditional camps out of reach. For all these reasons, socio-economic status remains the single biggest access barrier to summer camp for children. Gallup reported in 2024 that while "55% of U.S. parents say their child participated in at least one structured activity [such as] overnight camp...[t]he gap in participation rates between upper- and lower-income families is nearly 30 percentage points, 67% versus 38%."
That’s why we decided to bring the camp to Circles youth.
Camp Kaleidoscope is a six-week program (expanding to 12 weeks in 2026!) held during our regular Circles Weekly Meetings. That means families are already gathered together—no extra travel required. Kids join their families for dinner and then head into a full-on camp experience: games, crafts, community, and fun. Every child in Circles is welcome, and there are no barriers (fees, transportation, etc.) to attend.
Camp Kaleidoscope was inspired by the incredible work of Daishayanea Jackson and Jessica Lyseng from Circles Washtenaw County in Michigan. They created a youth summer program filled with water fights, Capture the Flag, friendship bracelets, “field trips” (bringing cool experiences and programs to Circles), and even STEM learning—like the story of Lonnie George Johnson, the brilliant Black engineer who invented the Super Soaker.
In true Circles spirit, they generously shared their materials, lessons, and love with the rest of us. As a result, Camp Kaleidoscope was born to bring to all chapters across North America.
Circles is a multi-generational movement. We walk alongside entire families, not just adults. And Camp Kaleidoscope is one more way we live out that value, helping kids build positive experiences, make friends, and strengthen relationships that build social capital—those deep connections that are essential to thriving. While it may seem small, summer camp is just one more way that we are breaking the cycle of generational poverty and supporting families in leaving poverty behind permanently.
If you’re already part of Circles, check in with your chapter’s youth coordinator to see how you can get involved—maybe even as a Camp Counselor! And if you’re not yet a part of Circles, visit our website to find a chapter near you or learn how to start one today.
And for a simple way to connect right now? Grab the kids in your life and make a kaleidoscope together. It’s a fun, colorful reminder that beauty is made from many different pieces—and when we come together in community, we create something truly extraordinary.
Editors’ note - 7/5: It is impossible to mention summer camp in this moment without evoking the 27 young girls currently missing amidst catastrophic flooding in Kerr County, Texas. Circles USA sends our collective grief, concern, and wishes for speedy reunions to all families of Camp Mystic; condolences to the loved ones of those lost in the Guadalupe River flood; and also our thanks to the 1,000+ first responders and community leaders whose efforts have saved more than 850 lives so far in the Texas Hill Country disaster.
Read more from Kris on her monthly Circles USA blog, The Learning Curve Chronicles:
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