90 Years: The Journey of Crossroads Begins with Camp

2026 marks an important milestone for Crossroads, 90 years of creating spaces for belonging, growth, and opportunities.

Where It Began

Founded in 1936 during the Great Depression, Crossroads began with a simple but powerful belief: that access to opportunity, connection, and time in nature could change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

Arthur Taylor Burger, Executive Director of the Boys Clubs of Boston, and a group of Trustees envisioned “fresh air” camps where children from Boston could step away from the city and experience the joys of overnight summer camp. These camps provided a space in nature, where kids could explore, play, and grow. Those early summers laid the foundation for what would become Crossroads.

Growing to Meet the Moment

Over time, the organization evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. In 1998, it adopted the name Crossroads for Kids, reflecting its transformation into a comprehensive youth development initiative.

Crossroads expanded its programs to support young people year-round. This allowed Crossroads to support young people with continuity, pairing the magic of summer camp with school-year programming, transforming these experiences into meaningful milestones of further growth, confidence, and pathways to success.

Crossroads Today

Today, Crossroads is the only organization in the Boston area that offers overnight summer camp and year-round leadership programs regardless of financial circumstance.

At our three camps in Duxbury, Brewster, and Ashby, Massachusetts, young people in grades 2 through 12 unplug from screens, immerse themselves in nature, and build skills through meaningful challenge. They form lasting relationships with peers and mentors and discover what it feels like to belong to a community where they are known, supported, and encouraged to grow.

While much has evolved over the past 90 years, many of the moments that define camp have remained remarkably consistent. Cabin life, shared meals in the dining hall, gathering around campfires, and the pride that comes with learning to swim are still at the heart of the Crossroads experience. These simple, powerful traditions continue to create connection, confidence, and belonging for young people year after year.

At the same time, Crossroads continues to invest thoughtfully in the future. The opening of the Bird Aquatic Center in summer 2025 reflects our commitment to creating environments where young people learn through doing and carry the confidence of success with them beyond camp.

The Heart of the Experience

Our summer camps remain at the heart of the Crossroads experience.

Each camp is a home away from home where young people try new things, step out of their comfort zone, and create memories that stay with them long after the summer ends.

The Journey Continues Beyond Summer

Through school-year programs and pathway weekends at Camp Wing, young people build on what they began at camp, deepening their confidence and leadership skills. For teens, the C5 Leaders program offers a five-year leadership journey that brings together outdoor education, civic engagement, community service, and college and career planning.

Along the way, young people are supported as they imagine what comes next and take meaningful steps toward it.

A Community that Makes It Possible

At every stage, Crossroads is sustained by a community of educators, advocates, alum, staff, and supporters who believe in equitable access to opportunity.

Together, we work to bridge the opportunity gap and ensure that high-quality overnight camp and leadership experiences are accessible to all families.

Looking Ahead

Crossroads remains rooted in the belief that connection and opportunity can shape a young person’s future. What began as a vision for fresh air and open space has grown into a year-round community committed to challenge, growth, confidence, and success.

As we enter our 90th year, we’re honoring this legacy by continuing to invest in young people and the journeys still unfolding.