For the second year in a row, students from our Chicago and Waukegan WOW (Working on Womanhood) programs had an unforgettable experience at WeHaKee Camp for Girls, nestled in the serene beauty of Northern Wisconsin. Thanks to our continued partnership with Four Star Fellowship, our young women enjoyed an incredible summer filled with growth, adventure, and lifelong memories.
WeHaKee Camp is more than just a summer getaway—it’s a place where girls from diverse backgrounds come together to explore the joys of camp life, build lasting friendships, and grow into confident, empowered young women. The camp offers a unique blend of traditional activities and modern programs, all designed to inspire personal growth, leadership, and a strong sense of community.
For many inner-city students, the opportunity to attend an overnight camp like WeHaKee is a life-changing experience that goes beyond simply taking a break from their everyday lives. It’s a chance to escape the challenges of their urban environments and immerse themselves in the natural world, discovering their potential in ways that are often inaccessible at home.
WeHaKee Camp also played a crucial role in representing Black and Brown girls in nature, centering their joy, brilliance, and magic to foster a strong sense of community and belonging.
Surrounded by the beauty of nature, our WOW students engaged in activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, archery, and campfire storytelling—experiences that not only build physical skills but also foster a deep connection with the outdoors. For many of our girls, this was their first real exposure to nature, and we hope it sparked a lifelong appreciation for the environment.
Holistic Development
Beyond the physical activities, our WOW students also focused on building social-emotional skills, leadership abilities, and self-confidence. The camp’s nurturing environment, filled with sunshine, provided the perfect place for our young women to grow and thrive.
WeHaKee Camp also played a crucial role in representing Black and Brown girls in nature, centering their joy, brilliance, and magic to foster a strong sense of community and belonging. The cultural immersion aspect of the camp was equally enriching, as our girls interacted with diverse peers and counselors from around the world, including South Africa, Ireland, and London.
As rising costs make camps increasingly inaccessible for many Black and Brown families, ensuring that our WOW students have access to affordable, high-quality summer camp experiences is more important than ever for their holistic development and long-term success. This year, we saw significant growth in participation, with over 100 registrants—a testament to the impact and importance of this program.
This incredible experience was made possible through the generous funding from Four Star Fellowship and the unwavering support of Camp WeHaKee, ensuring that our WOW students could participate at no cost. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing to provide these life-changing opportunities for our students.