Santa Barbara County – The Firework Foundation, co‑founded in 2019 by pop star Katy Perry and her sister Angela Lerche, celebrated the conclusion of its 12th summer session of Camp Firework. More than 85 boys and girls ages 10 to 13 attended the three‑day, sleep‑away experience, bringing the program’s total reach to nearly 1,000 middle‑school students since its inception.
Local Partnerships Bring Kids to Camp
Participants were referred by a network of community partners that includes Girls Inc., the Santa Barbara County Housing Authority, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Goleta and Lompoc, as well as the Lompoc Teen Center. These organizations help identify children from under‑served communities who can benefit from the camp’s blend of arts, recreation and personal development.
Program Highlights
Campers spent their days engaging in a variety of activities designed to build confidence and teamwork. The schedule featured music workshops, dance sessions, guided hikes, archery practice and other outdoor pursuits. According to Perry and Lerche, the goal is to “ignite their inner light through the arts” and to provide a supportive environment where young people can explore their talents.
Looking Ahead: Mentorship and Expansion
Both sisters emphasized that Camp Firework is only the starting point. “As our campers grew up, we wanted to grow with them, expanding our programs to offer mentorship, leadership development and real‑world opportunities through high school and beyond,” Perry said. The foundation plans to extend its reach by adding mentorship components and career‑readiness workshops for alumni as they transition to higher education and the workforce.
Future Home in Gratitude Canyon
The next phase of the initiative involves securing a permanent site for the camp in an unincorporated area of the Goleta Valley known as Gratitude Canyon. This location will allow the foundation to host larger groups, develop additional facilities, and create a lasting community hub for youth empowerment.
Local families and community leaders have praised the program for its positive impact on children who might otherwise lack access to enriching extracurricular experiences. By combining artistic expression with outdoor adventure, Camp Firework aligns with the county’s broader efforts to support youth development, family stability, and strong community ties.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
