Why Summer Camp Matters

As Concordia prepares to partner with Legacy Summer Camp to offer a unique summer development experience, the Thunderbolt spoke with Legacy founder Zack Jones to learn more about what families can expect from the program, and why summer camp can be such a vital part of a child’s holistic growth. 

What inspired you to create Legacy summer camp?

Over the past several years, I’ve worked with youth across Asia, teaching leadership, character, and holistic education. I consistently saw the same need: students are bright and full of potential, but lack the mentors and environment needed to guide, inspire, and walk with them through the journey of becoming who they were created to be. I am who I am today because I had amazing mentors.

Legacy Summer Camp was born from the conviction that education and mentorship are sacred pillars of society, playing a significant role in shaping not only individuals, but also future parents, spouses, leaders, and communities. Whether we’re guiding the next Albert Einstein or Mother Teresa, our calling is to provide guidance that develops the whole person.

Our mission is to raise up young people who are morally strong, mentally awake, and physically healthy: young men and women equipped to live meaningful lives and build their own lasting legacies.

Why is camp important?

Camp breaks the rhythms of modern life. Technology is set aside, and students enter a fun, collective experience that’s distraction-free and full of meaningful relationships.

Today’s students face intense pressure and isolation. While they may be more digitally connected than ever, they often lack the deep, face-to-face friendships and mentorship that shape healthy development. The reality is, many adults in their lives are naturally busy or overwhelmed, leaving students to navigate these formative years without the guidance they need.

Camp changes that.

Camp is a rare space where staff and students are encouraged to be fully present, try new things, rediscover the joy of learning and reconnect with the community. Around Day 3 of camp, something special happens: awkwardness fades, laughter grows, and meaningful friendships are formed. By the final day, camp is filled with bittersweet tears because no one wants camp to end.

Beyond friendships, we’re bringing in professionals and industry experts from top global companies: people I know personally who have set this time apart to invest in students. While many students may have access to successful adults, they rarely receive their full attention.

Charles Eliot, former president of Harvard, once said:
“I have the conviction that a few weeks in a well-organized summer camp may be of more value educationally than a whole year of formal school work.”

What will students learn?

Legacy Summer Camp is designed to develop students intellectually, physically, morally, and socially.

Academic Programs:
Each class is built by experts. Whether students are learning forensics, robotics, creative writing, or project management, they’re not just gaining knowledge; they’re gaining a vision of what and who they can become!

Afternoon Activities:
Campers choose two activities daily, ranging from CPR & First Aid to photography, sports, baking, and more. Every program includes meaningful takeaways. Whether it’s building a catapult, performing in front of peers, or taking home a new recipe, every activity builds skills and  confidence.

Social Development:
Students learn how to introduce themselves to new people, make friends, and work in teams, all without technology. They grow in communication and relational confidence, while learning to build meaningful networks through shared interests.

There’s even research showing that the peer and mentor relationships built at camp often serve as a valuable network in students’ adult lives.

How do you think a student’s camp experience will benefit a students’ overall growth, both academically? 

Many students struggle to maintain motivation and confidence at school. Some even begin to associate learning with stress, grades, and pressure.

Our immersive, hands-on, and purpose-driven program aims to flip this narrative. Through real-world challenges and engaging projects, students grow in confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking. Learning feels exciting because it’s connected to who they are and what they care about.

I’ve seen students arrive academically discouraged and leave with renewed excitement. For example, in our high school Project Management Leadership class, students will get to plan real projects using tools like Trello and Gantt charts. Many can apply what they learn to real initiatives or use their experience to strengthen college portfolios.

In short: Camp doesn’t just prepare students for school; it energizes them for life.

What soft skills will students take away? 

We intentionally design the camp experience to develop soft skills that are often over-emphasized yet underserved in today’s world. The list of soft skills we target is extensive, but some of the key skills students develop include:

Confidence: Camp helps students discover what they’re capable of. For example, I know of a student who spent hours trying to start a fire in a survival class. After persistence and guidance, he succeeded and proudly shared with his peers that he had learned that if he never gives up, he can achieve anything. Moments like these are simple, but transformative.
Leadership & Teamwork: Through daily team challenges and leadership devotionals, students learn how to lead with character and collaborate effectively. 
Critical Thinking: Every class and activity is designed to spark curiosity and develop problem-solving skills.
Communication: Whether presenting, performing, or working in a group, students practice expressing their ideas clearly and confidently.
Mentorship: Learning how to find and approach mentors is a life skill many never develop. At camp, students are taught how to seek mentors: a skill that will serve them in their career and life. 

Anything else families should know?

At Legacy, we believe that education and mentorship are sacred responsibilities, and we are deeply committed to the growth and well-being of every student we serve.

We consider it a privilege to come alongside parents to offer mentorship, opportunities, and meaningful conversations that strengthen both students and their home lives.

We also care deeply about our team. We believe that if we’re going to promote mentorship, then our mentors must be men and women of strong character. Personally, I want our students to be guided by the kind of leaders I’d want my own future children to grow up to be like: people who are life-giving, values-driven, and relationally present.

At the end of the day, our goal is simple:
To build a legacy by helping others build theirs.

We hope to see your child this summer. 

Learn more about Legacy Summer Camp.