A Thousand Summers

What A Thousand Summers does

A Thousand Summers (legally The John Austin Cheley Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1989 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado that funds and coordinates multi-year wilderness summer camp placements for underserved youth ages 10–17 across the United States. The organization's flagship Campership Program covers the full cost of attendance — tuition, travel, equipment, and camp store — and supplements it with the Compass Program (virtual pre-camp preparation), a one-on-one Mentor Program staffed by 100+ volunteers, and the Capstone service-learning track for older campers. Two alumni pathways — the Outdoor Leadership Program (in collaboration with Open Roads) and the 2023-launched Camp Fellowship Program — extend the offering into wilderness certifications and paid summer-camp employment.

Delivery is asset-light and network-mediated: the organization does not own camp facilities but partners with 13+ American Camp Association-accredited partner camps across Maine, Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Washington, and refers campers through national youth mentoring organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, REACH Prep, Midtown Educational Foundation, and Mile High 360. Reporting metrics for 2025 include 103,664 hours of youth programming delivered, $1,032,800 in program services provided, a 78% program re-engagement rate, and 1,933 total program awards issued since inception, with cumulative campership value exceeding $9 million across more than 1,600 camperships since 1989.

Revenue is generated entirely through charitable giving across four streams — individual donations tiered from $25/month to $175,000 Endowed Camperships, corporate sponsorships ($1,000 Trailhead to $50,000 Summit), planned giving/estate gifts via the Summit Society, and employer matching gifts processed through Double the Donation. The organization earned a 4-star Charity Navigator rating and the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, and operates with a small paid staff (Executive Director, Program Director, Development Director, Development & Communications Manager, Program Manager) supplemented by a national volunteer base. The legal name was retained through a 2020 rebrand to the public-facing "A Thousand Summers" identity.

Name

A Thousand Summers

Legal name

The John Austin Cheley Foundation

Website

https://athousandsummers.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

A Thousand Summers is a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded in 1989 as The John Austin Cheley Foundation, that funds multi-year wilderness summer camp experiences for underserved youth ages 10–17 through a nationwide network of accredited partner camps and youth mentoring organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO), Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA)

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• Summer camp scholarships
• Nonprofit campership funding
• Wilderness camp experiences
• Underserved youth services

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible gifts from individuals supporting camperships for underserved youth. Multiple giving levels from $100 (Piggy Banker) to $6,000 (Full Campership) to $175,000 (Endowed Campership).
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partners sponsor programs, camper travel expenses, and camp bank funding. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 (Trailhead) to $50,000 (Summit), with customizable packages aligning business goals with organizational mission.
3. Planned Giving and Estate Gifts: Legacy donations through the Summit Society, including beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and bequests. Allows donors to create long-term legacy support for future campers.
4. Employer Matching Gifts and Volunteer Grants: Many employers match employee charitable contributions and provide volunteer grants. The organization leverages Double the Donation tools to facilitate matching gift programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

A Thousand Summers provides multi-year camperships that send underserved youth ages 10-17 to wilderness summer camps across the United States, covering tuition, travel, equipment, and camp store expenses. The organization supports campers throughout their journey through companion programs including Compass (pre-camp preparation), Capstone (service-learning for older teens), Mentor (one-on-one volunteer support), Outdoor Leadership (wilderness expeditions), and Camp Fellowship (camp employment and career development). All services are funded by charitable donations and delivered through a network of accredited partner camps and youth mentoring organizations.

Product overview

A Thousand Summers operates a portfolio of interconnected youth development programs centered around transformative wilderness summer camp experiences. The core offering is the Campership Program providing multi-year scholarships for underserved youth, supplemented by the Compass Program (virtual pre-camp preparation), Mentor Program (one-on-one volunteer support), and Capstone Program (service-learning for older teens). Two leadership-track programs—the Outdoor Leadership Program (wilderness expeditions with industry certifications) and Camp Fellowship Program (camp employment with career development)—extend the pathway for alumni. All programs are accessible through a centralized application portal and supported by a national network of accredited partner camps and youth mentoring organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Campership Program The foundational scholarship initiative matching underserved youth ages 10-17 with transformative multi-week wilderness summer camp experiences. Provides multi-year funding covering tuition, travel, equipment, and camp store expenses with dedicated mentor support throughout the camper's camp career.
• Compass Program A virtual pre-camp personal development journey for applicants exploring themes of belonging and purpose, preparing campers and families for their upcoming camp experience through education and relationship building.
• Capstone Program A one-year service-learning project for campers 15+ who have attended at least one summer at camp. Participants identify a community need, design and implement a service project, and present their completed work with volunteer advisor support.
• Outdoor Leadership Program A wilderness expedition program for former campership recipients in late teens, operated in collaboration with Open Roads. Includes Leave No Trace certification, Wilderness First Aid training, backpacking, river rafting, and pathways to outdoor industry employment.
• Camp Fellowship Program A leadership and career development program for former campership recipients centered around employment at summer camp. Includes stipend, mentorship, professional development, certifications, and networking opportunities for outdoor industry careers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 78% program re-engagement rate - campers return year after year
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Camp Kooch-i-ching for BoyscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Residential summer camp for boys in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near International Falls, Minnesota. Focus on wilderness adventures, self-discovery, and service to others.
• Ogichi Daa Kwe for GirlscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Residential summer camp for girls in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near International Falls, Minnesota. Empowers young women through wilderness tripping and lifelong community.
• Clearwater Camp for GirlscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Sleepaway camp for girls in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Focuses on fostering confidence, courage, compassion, and community through traditional camp experiences.
• Camp Kawanhee for BoyscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2009Partner summer camp on Webb Lake in Weld, Maine. Founded in 1920, provides experiential education for boys focused on self-sufficiency, teamwork, and appreciation of the natural world.
• Colvig Silver CampscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2001Co-ed partner summer camp in Red Creek Valley near Durango, Colorado. Environmentally oriented, non-competitive programming focused on self-esteem, leadership skills, and outdoor ethics.
• Camp Kieve for BoyscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1926Boys summer camp on Damariscotta Lake in Nobleboro, Maine. Founded 1926, focuses on acquiring skills and attitudes to improve oneself.
• Southwest AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing travel support for campers. Southwest Airlines enables ATS to cover airfare and transportation costs for campers traveling to camp locations across the United States, removing a significant barrier to participation.
• Ship CampscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing summer camp travel services. Ship Camps makes summer camp travel easier for ATS campers by handling logistics and transportation arrangements.
• Alterra Mtn CominorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor industry partner supporting ATS mission through corporate sponsorship. Alterra Mountain Company operates ski resorts and outdoor recreation properties.
• American Camp AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational accrediting body for summer camps. ATS aligns with ACA-accredited camps and requires camps to achieve or undergo accreditation or external review. ACA research on camp-based youth development supports ATS programming philosophy.
• Open RoadscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperational partner for the Outdoor Leadership Program. Open Roads operates wilderness expeditions and provides the baseline skills, training, and logistics for the 14-day expedition program in Colorado and Utah.
• Open RoadscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProgram operator for Outdoor Leadership Program expeditions including backpacking trips, wilderness first aid training, Leave No Trace certification, and river rafting components.
• Camp ThunderbirdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner summer camp located in Minnesota Northwoods. Single-gender camps for boys and girls operating since 1946. Provides immersive wilderness camp experiences for ATS campers.
• Sanborn Western CampscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner summer camp in Colorado with High Trails Ranch (girls) and Big Spring Ranch (boys). Operates on 12,000 acres of Rocky Mountain wilderness. Long-standing partnership since 1996.
• Cheley Colorado CampscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner summer camp in Colorado operating since 1921. The founding camps of the John Austin Cheley Foundation legacy. Provides wilderness adventure experiences in Rocky Mountains.
• Camp Wavus for GirlscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGirls camp in Maine with wilderness tripping adventures. Girls ages 8-17 experience traditional camp activities and progressive wilderness challenges.
• Camp Nor'westercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOutdoor residential camp on Johns Islands, Washington. Provides outdoor living experiences with focus on self-confidence, respect, responsibility, and compassion.
• Camp SongadeewincoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGirls camp in Vermont for grades 2-9 combining in-camp program with overnight wilderness journeys. Near century-old tradition of play and personal exploration.
• Wohelo CampscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGirls camp on Sebago Lake in Raymond, Maine. Over 100 years of tradition, focuses on cooperation, teamwork, and respecting differences.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of AmericacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational youth mentoring organization that identifies and refers eligible youth for the campership program. Provides year-round support and holistic development programming.
• REACH PrepcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYouth mentoring organization partner helping students gain access to transformative summer opportunities year after year through the ATS partnership.
• Midtown Educational FoundationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUrban education organization providing holistic support and enrichment for students through partnership with ATS.
• Match EducationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEducation-focused organization providing student support and referring eligible students for ATS campership opportunities.
• Mile High 360coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorColorado-based youth development organization providing holistic programming and referring students for ATS camperships.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Camp Fire: National youth development nonprofit providing camp and outdoor experiences, with a strong DEI and access-focused mission serving diverse and underserved youth populations. Directly comparable in mission and program model.
• Summer Search: Nonprofit providing low-income high school students with transformative summer experiential learning opportunities including wilderness programs. Closely comparable model: identifying underserved youth and funding multi-year summer experiences with mentorship wraparound.
• The Fresh Air Fund: Nonprofit providing summer experiences to NYC youth from low-income communities, including sleepaway camp placements. Directly comparable in funding underserved youth to attend established partner camps nationwide.
• SeriousFun Children's Network: Network of summer camps serving children with serious illnesses and underserved youth. Directly comparable as a nonprofit that funds and organizes camp experiences for populations that would otherwise lack access.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: National youth mentoring nonprofit that identifies and refers eligible youth for ATS camperships. Directly comparable as a mission-aligned youth mentoring and development organization serving similar demographics through volunteer-supported models.

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of the USA: National youth development organization offering residential camps, outdoor programs, and enrichment for underserved youth. Comparable mission and donor base, though significantly broader scope including fitness, childcare, and community services.
• Girl Scouts of the USA: National youth organization offering outdoor experiences, summer camps, and leadership programming. Comparable as a long-established nonprofit providing wilderness and camp experiences to youth, including underserved populations.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National nonprofit network providing youth development programs for underserved youth. Comparable as a large-scale, mission-aligned youth development organization funded through donations and corporate partnerships, though ATS specializes in wilderness camp placements specifically.

Regional players

• Boys' Club of New York: New York-based youth development nonprofit providing enrichment and camp experiences to underserved boys. Comparable mission and donor-driven model, though geographically concentrated in NYC.

Emerging players

• Outdoor Afro: Nonprofit connecting Black communities and other underrepresented groups to outdoor experiences and nature-based leadership. Comparable as a mission-aligned nonprofit addressing barriers to outdoor access for underserved youth, with partial overlap in outdoor-leadership programming.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/athousandsummers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/athousandsummers

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about A Thousand Summers