This summer, Lutherhaven Ministries provided free, six-week Silver Valley Summer Day Camps for 300 children in grades 3–6, addressing critical needs in Shoshone County. The program serves families in the ALICE category—households earning above the poverty line but below the basic cost of living—which make up 55% of the county. For these families, every dollar matters, and basic needs like childcare, meals, and enrichment activities are often out of reach. Additionally, 20% of school-aged children—427 kids—live in poverty, facing barriers that can prevent them from learning, exploring, and simply enjoying their childhood.
The camps provide more than supervision—they offer a lifeline. Children receive free transportation from four communities, nutritious meals and snacks, and opportunities to engage in outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, science, environmental education, and social-emotional learning. Local high school students serve as mentors, helping campers build confidence, form friendships, and feel seen and supported in ways their families may struggle to provide due to economic pressures.
The results speak to the program’s impact. Of the 300 children served, 250—83%—developed essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and self-confidence. In just four weeks, 190 children were read to for a total of 22,800 minutes, an average of two hours per child over their four-day camp experience.
By removing financial and logistical barriers, Lutherhaven Ministries ensures that children from ALICE households have a safe, enriching space to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. United Way of North Idaho’s support helps make this possible, aligning with its mission to uplift ALICE families, giving them access to resources and experiences that strengthen their children, their families, and their communities.