At Convergence 2010, Microsoft brought together a fantastic organization called Projects With Purpose and the volunteer efforts of Convergence attendees to benefit The Atlanta Youth Project Summer Camp. Unfortunately, Saturday was the one day that week when it was absolutely pouring rain. While we worked through the drizzle all morning, eventually the storm became too strong and we needed to stop early. (I was actually on top of a ladder measuring/marking 2 feet along a beam when the lightning struck too close for comfort and the supervisor had me get down right away.) But, we got to make some progress with the structures and sandy beach we were building, not to mention the bond that was created amongst the crews. And before we left, we were all inspired to make a difference in our own communities back home. Check out the pictures I took on our Facebook page!

The Atlanta Youth Project Summer Camp is a 58 acre site just outside the Atlanta city limits that services 800-1000 children per summer. The camp offers inner city kids ages 5 to 18 a free opportunity to receive coaching in the areas of basketball, tennis, swimming, soccer and water sports – plus enjoy a farm experience where they can interact with all sorts of animals, from miniature horses to alpacas. Campers are given unique outdoor experiences which help develop self-esteem and confidence through activities like putting goats out to pasture, as well as activities like archery, swimming, canoeing, fishing and nature scavenger hunts. Generally 85% of the campers who attend have never been fishing or canoeing before attending the camp. The camp also offers an overnight-camping experience for a limited number of youth per session. The Atlanta Youth Project Summer Camp is fully funded by individual and business donors and grants, and the camp engages children of all races and religions.

The goal was for volunteers to expand the camping opportunity for hundreds of boys and girls by building additional cabins for overnight campers; building an outdoor pavilion to serve as a workshop and dining area; expanding the pond “beach” area; and the building an outdoor storage facility for the water sports equipment. All of this was designed to enhance the camp experience and increase the number of children who can utilize the campgrounds year round.

Projects With Purpose had done a lot of work the week prior in preparation for our assistance that day. Plus they stayed at the site for the rest of the week finishing the project.  What amazing dedication!!  The leadership of Projects with Purpose includes Juli Miller Hart (President), Keith Miller (Technical Advisor), and Bill Coleman (lead organizer of this project). Those three people are so inspiring.

To learn more about Microsoft’s support of communities around the world, please visit www.microsoft.com/giving.