Why Our Work Matters More Than Ever
This blog post was written by PBC President & CEO Kerri Strauss
From the CEO’s Desk
Each summer, we are reminded of the extraordinary potential that emerges when young people are given the space, support, and encouragement to grow. At the Princeton‑Blairstown Center, we see this transformation every day – on our trails, in our canoes, around our campfires, and in the confidence that builds with every challenge met.
But we also know that far too many young people never get the chance to experience these moments.
A recent report funded by The Wallace Foundation, The Summer Struggle for Everyday Families: Affording the Opportunities Parents Want for Youth, underscores a reality our community knows all too well: millions of children are being left out of summer learning and enrichment opportunities because their families simply cannot afford them. According to the report, parents of 24.6 million children want structured summer experiences such as camp, enrichment programs, or internships – yet 51 percent of those children are unable to participate due to barriers like cost and limited availability.
The report also highlights that nearly 4 in 10 families identify cost as the primary barrier, with low‑ and middle‑income families disproportionately affected. And while parents consistently rank safety, strong program staff, outdoor time, and confidence‑building experiences as top priorities, these are often the very opportunities that remain out of reach.
This is exactly where Princeton‑Blairstown Center steps in.
Our Mission in Action
At PBC, we believe every young person – regardless of zip code or family income – deserves access to safe, enriching, and transformative summer experiences. Our programs are intentionally designed to meet the needs identified in the Wallace Foundation report:
A safe, supportive environment
Caring, highly trained staff
Time outdoors and away from screens
Opportunities to build confidence, leadership, and resilience
A diverse range of activities that spark curiosity and joy
For many of the youth we serve, PBC is not just a summer program – it is a lifeline. It is a place where they feel seen, valued, and capable. A place where they can explore new interests, build friendships, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had.
Your Support Makes This Possible
None of this work happens without you.
Your generosity ensures that young people who face the greatest barriers have access to the opportunities they deserve. Your belief in our mission fuels our ability to expand programs, deepen our impact, and meet the growing demand for high‑quality summer learning experiences.
As the Wallace Foundation report makes clear, the need is urgent and the demand is real. And thanks to our community of supporters, PBC is rising to meet that need – one young person, one outdoor learning opportunity, one transformative experience at a time.
Wishing You a Wonderful Summer
As we embark on another season of growth, adventure, and possibility, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our young people, and for helping us create summers – and futures – filled with promise.
From all of us at the Princeton‑Blairstown Center, we wish you a joyful, restorative, and terrific summer.