Connection through experience

Out here, everyone belongs, explores, grows, and leads.

Outdoor adventure. Real connection. More room to grow for Baltimore youth.

Scroll to explore

Baltimore, Maryland

01 / 04The mission

The experience changes everything

A camp that opens more.

Hills to Climb partners with urban youth programs to create reflective outdoor experiences, nurturing self-awareness, confidence and leadership.

Outdoor experiences at no cost to participating families.

See what we do

What we're working toward

More possibility.
For every young person.

We envision a Baltimore where all youth have access to new experiences beyond the city, where they can learn essential skills, grow through adventure, and strengthen peer relationships in safe and supportive environments.

What grounds us

Character development.
Meaningful connection.

Our character development focus:

  • Confidence
  • Responsibility
  • Compassion
Two people paddle a canoe together on a wooded waterway at campReal moments. Real momentum.
02 / 04The experience

Beyond a typical summer camp

The outdoors
is just the
beginning.

On the court, on the water, and around the campfire, young people meet new challenges together—and discover something new about themselves.

Why it matters
03 / 04The impact

What lasts beyond camp

The climb keeps going.

263

Youth engaged.
At camp and close to home.

Youth engaged in summer camp and local outdoor activities, summer 2023 through summer 2026.

In camper surveys, young people shared:

85%

More confident trying new things because of the camp experience.

79%

More confident with skills and knowledge in outdoor recreation.

73%

More connected to, understood and supported by peers who attended the same camp experience.

79%

More connected to, and a greater appreciation for, the outdoors and natural environment.

Summer 2026 camper feedback; 80 campers participated and provided feedback.

In their own words

What comes
home with them.

Reflections from Hills to Climb campers, shared anonymously.

“I learned that sometimes putting yourself out there will bring opportunities in your life that you least expected.”

Hills to Climb camper

“I mostly enjoyed the chance to grow, with the staff and with my peers.”

Hills to Climb camper

“I learned how to fish, kayak, and be calm under pressure.”

Hills to Climb camper

“My favorite part of camp was coming out of my bubble and showing a whole new me.”

Hills to Climb camper
04 / 04The community

No one climbs alone

Be part of
what's next.

Partners, families, mentors, and supporters make these experiences possible. There is a place for you in the story.

Make this experience yours

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