Executive Summary

Sherwood Forest is a year-round youth development organization dedicated to using research-based methods, innovative practices and the unique opportunities offered by the natural environment to give children from low-income families the foundation needed to graduate from high school, successfully pursue post-secondary opportunities, and become self-sufficient, motivated and resilient adults and to break the cycle of multi-generational poverty. Programs begin for children after completing first grade and continue through high school and into the post-secondary period. The Sherwood experience is anchored by our Quest program, where youth participate in extended residential summer camp experiences followed by year-round programming during the school year, and develop the social-emotional skills and capacities necessary to achieve success later in life: Mastery Orientation, Self-Management, Contribution, Positive Identity, Self-Efficacy, and Social Skills. Quest program graduates then move into the Supports for Success program, which focuses on developing leadership, postsecondary readiness and workforce readiness skills. Sherwood Forest is the only nonprofit serving low-income youth in grades one through twelve in the St. Louis area that offers a month-long residential summer camp experience. We help close the summer achievement gap, provide access to a safe natural environment, offer behavioral health and well-being supports, and deliver valuable out-of-school time learning and growth experiences for a community of youth who have limited access to these kinds of supports.

Our program staff, board and leadership team includes program alumni with lived experiences similar to our participants. Seasonal summer camp staff in particular reflect the diversity of participating youth.

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