Connecting underserved youth with the great outdoors.

We provide financial support to organizations that introduce Philadelphia area youth to new experiences in the great outdoors.

In 2023 the Dana How Social Services Fund provided financial support to two new camp operations, Camp Jamison and Discovery Pathways. Both serve minority youth from communities in Philadelphia. We look forward to continuing that support for summer programming in 2024 and beyond.

Camp Jamison
The mission at Camp Jamison is grounded in principles of diversity, inclusivity, and affordability. They recognize the importance of these values, especially for kids growing up in a city with its unique set of challenges. Camp Jamison serves as a vital escape and reset for these young individuals, offering a week of fun, relaxation, and reflection.
Discovery Pathways
Discovery Pathways' mission is to uplift the well-being of the community and environment through experiential, nature-based  programs. By providing hands-on environmental education to urban youth and adults, they empower leaders and cultivate a connection to the natural world.

Join us in our support for Philadelphia kids

Frequently asked questions

No, although the years Dana How spent as director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Christian Association was certainly a big part of his inspiration. The Dana How Social Services Fund is not funded by or linked to any religious or political organization.
The Allocations Committee carefully reviews a few select non-profit camps and outdoor programs to ensure that the young people they serve come from Philadelphia neighborhoods with the greatest need. The committee interviews the leaders of those programs, visits their facilities and checks to make sure they are safe and nurturing environments for young people.
Just click the "Click here to donate" button found throughout our website. You will be directed to the Philadelphia Foundation website donations page. The Philadelphia Foundation is the fund manager for the Dana How Social Services Fund.
The Dana How Social Services Fund itself does not provide any services, and is not a non profit. It does provide funding to non profits that operate camping and outdoor programs for Philadelphia-area youth.
Far too many city-based young people never get to experience the outdoors or the character building that camping programs can provide.
Contributions are always appreciated. Every dollar raised helps us get another deserving young person out of the city and into the outdoors.

Still have questions?

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Thanks to the support of our donors, we were able to provide a scholarships to help cover the costs of tuition, books, and living expenses. This allowed our very first student to focus on their studies and graduate with their degree.