About Us
What began as a simple request from a group of teens in 1991 has blossomed into a powerful legacy of leadership, growth, and generational impact. That summer, teens from the Columbia Park and Kentland area in Landover, Maryland, asked to go camping—a desire that led to the first camping trip organized by the Kentland Teen Club. With 18 youth and a few committed parent chaperones, they journeyed to Camp Misty Mount in the Catoctin Mountains. That first trip planted the seeds for what would become one of the most impactful youth development traditions in the region and laid the foundation for a multi-generational movement that continues to change lives today.
At the heart of the program is Lenora Harper, a passionate community leader whose experience with 4-H and years of service in youth development revealed the critical need for positive, out-of-environment experiences for young people. She believes—and has witnessed firsthand—that camp is more than just a summer escape. It’s a therapeutic and transformative experience where young people develop decision-making skills, build independence, try new activities, learn teamwork, enhance social-emotional skills, and create lifelong friendships in a phone-free, supportive space.
Since that first trip, the program has grown from 18 participants to an average of over 60 youth each summer. But what’s most remarkable is not just the numbers—it’s the people. Many of the original campers—now thriving professionals and parents—return year after year to serve as volunteer staff. Their commitment extends far beyond camp week, as they attend training, mentor youth, help plan logistics, and invest deeply in the experience. This long-standing, dedicated team of volunteers understands the true value of this journey because they lived it themselves.
As the camp evolved, it became a hub for leadership development. Workshops and hands-on training opportunities, supported by grants, donations, and community partnerships, help prepare youth for real-world success. The program has received national recognition, including the prestigious Eleanor P. Eells Award from the American Camp Association in 2001, with additional nominations in 2002 and 2004. In 2000, it was also featured in Urban Youth Magazine as a leading example of innovative urban youth programming.
Today, the program operates under its new name, Camp Trajectory, and is proudly a part of the nonprofit organization Trajectory Development Group, Inc. Though the name is new, the mission and spirit remain the same: to provide transformative, enriching experiences for youth through connection, adventure, and mentorship.
Camp Trajectory is also supported by the 704 Corridor Drug-Free Coalition, a dedicated group of community leaders united in their commitment to providing positive youth development experiences and drug-free alternatives for young people across the region.
Camp Trajectory continues to be a safe, empowering space where youth can unplug, grow, lead, and dream beyond their circumstances. It's more than a camp—it’s a living legacy. A cycle of community, mentorship, and love that continues to give back, generation after generation.
