About Us
Our History
Taproots at Camp Walden - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - was founded in 2019 to help promote diversity by bringing children from low-income households to Camp Walden, focusing on children of color. Knowing that sending a child to overnight camp is neither financially viable nor culturally normative for lower-income families and families of color, Taproots at Camp Walden was founded to bridge the opportunity gap and actively recruit kids to camp.
Inspired by the prolific trees at Camp Walden, the name “Taproots” was chosen to represent strong roots, a connection to the natural world, and experiences that build resilience.
After a delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Taproots programming launched in summer 2022. Through a partnership program with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Flint, MI, the first Taproots Mini-Week at Camp Walden hosted 15 children. In the following summer, Taproots provided 2-week camperships to 11 children in addition to welcoming the second group of kids to camp through the Taproots Mini-Week.
In 2024, Taproots added Brilliant Detroit as an additional partner. The number of kids who experience summer camp through Taproots continues to grow annually. Through the end of summer 2025, Taproots has brought 150 children to camp through programming and camperships.
What We Believe
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We believe that diversity benefits everyone, making us stronger, smarter, and more compassionate.
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We believe that summer camp provides a safe and structured environment for kids to grow & develop, socialize, problem solve, and build self-awareness & teamwork skills that will remain with them for life.
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We believe summer camp should be available to all children, not just those who can afford it.
OUR VISION
Our Vision is a summer neighborhood that is enriched by its racial, cultural, and socioeconomic diversity.
OUR MISSION
Our Mission is to provide a residential summer camp experience to kids in predominately Black and brown communities.
OUR GOAL
Our Goal is to increase the diversity at camp, educating and enriching all campers and their home communities.