GHS Investments Partner Mark Grober on Investing in Kids that Never Went to Camp

GHS Investments partner Mark Grober is an active and accomplished private investor who invests his own capital in small businesses exhibiting high-growth potential. His passion for giving, however, extends beyond the financial world and into nurturing the potential of young people through philanthropy.

Among the numerous organizations and causes he supports is SCOPE USA. SCOPE USA is a nonprofit offering scholarships to kids, particularly children from lower socio-economic backgrounds, to attend their 67 nonprofit, ACA-accredited partner camps. Having not attended a summer camp when growing up, Mark has firsthand experience of how much children can miss by not attending camp.

Summer Camp Perks

Camps are more than fun breaks from school where children spend night outs away from parents and guardians. They are life-changing experiences that shape a kid's character. Here are more benefits of summer camps.

Children Transformation

Summer camps are a perfect space for children's personal growth. They engage in a wide range of activities that challenge them physically, emotionally, and mentally, such as arts and crafts, sports, and other team-building activities while fostering learning and exploration.

Camp can also build their self-confidence and expand their horizons. Whether climbing, swimming, or drawing, mastering a new activity inspires kids to step out of their comfort zone and discover their potential.

Boost Kids' Confidence

These camps allow children to navigate social dynamics, take responsibility, and make decisions independently, away from their guardians. This experience builds confidence, enhances leadership skills, and promotes self-reliance—essential elements of personal development as they learn to tackle life’s challenges on their own.

Social Skills Development

Camps bring together children from different backgrounds, creating a diverse and inclusive environment where they can develop essential social skills. Children learn the importance of teamwork, empathy, and communication by living and working together. These social interactions are vital for building strong, lasting friendships and improving their ability to connect with others.

In a camp setting, children often make friends that last a lifetime. The bonds formed through shared experiences, challenges, and successes enrich their childhood and provide them with a support network that can extend into adulthood.

Exploring New Interests

Summer camps are designed to introduce children to activities and interests they might not otherwise encounter. From nature exploration to performing arts, camps provide a platform for children to explore new hobbies and discover passions they never knew they had.

This exploration is vital for helping children identify their interests and strengths, which can guide them in their future academic and career choices. Camps also offer a safe space for children to experiment and take risks without fear of failure, fostering a growth mindset that encourages them to keep trying and learning.

The Impact of Missing Out on Camp

Children who don't get to experience camp may lose these vital growth opportunities - developing confidence, independence, social skills, and a sense of identity - which are crucial during their formative years. These experiences lay the foundation for their adult and professional lives.

Mark Grober's Commitment and Support for SCOPE USA

Mark Grober's personal connection to this cause is deeply rooted in his own childhood experiences. He is acutely aware of what children forego when they don't have access to these opportunities. This understanding drives his commitment to SCOPE USA, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring that more children can benefit from the experiences he wishes he had.

Mark's contributions, ranging from $5,000 to $9,999 annually, help SCOPE USA provide camp scholarships to children from underserved communities. His generosity directly impacts these children's lives, empowering them to grow, learn, and build the skills and memories that will shape their futures.

Takeaway

Access to summer camps should not only be for the privileged; they are necessary for every child. Finances should not be a reason for any child to lose out on such life-changing experiences. By helping to provide these opportunities to kids who may not be able to afford camp, Mark Grober is investing in their future and ensuring they can experience the joy and growth camp offers. Through his contributions, Mark is making a lasting impact on the lives of countless children, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.