A summer camp for teens who want to make a difference

Heads Up! Hartford is guided by a board of directors made up of individuals who believe that we are stronger together and are dedicated to the continued success of the organization, including a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board is responsible for financial oversight and funding of the camp, as well as recruitment of the Operations Committee.

The Operations Committee is responsible for planning and executing the camp itself, in cooperation with the Youth Advisory Board. This board is made up of campers who work to become leaders at Heads Up Hartford. Each of these groups reports to the Board of Directors.

In 2003, our founding committee organized the camp, recruited the participants, and sought funding for the idea. The original camp was faith-based in its development and included 70 youth and 18 adults who worked almost exclusively on playground improvement and interaction with the children of Hartford Head Start, sponsored by the Community Renewal Team.

By gathering the youth together and giving them meaningful responsibilities, they developed leadership skills, an appreciation for diversity, and an understanding of the power of giving back to the community. 

Over time, the founding committee was encouraged to create a more permanent organization. We formed a formal Board of Directors and an Operations team, and received IRS exemption status for nonprofits on June 28, 2005.

Today, Heads Up! Hartford is a secular organization eager to work with all campers, families, and organizations that share our values of community service and youth leadership development.