"Trefoil has been a central part of my two daughters' development over the last five years. The camp has been a key part of helping them to develop their identity, creativity, leadership skills, sense of adventure, and friendships."

"It always feels corny when people say something “made them the person they are today,” but Trefoil Academy made me the person I am today. I was eight years old when I attended the first ever summer session, and it immediately felt like home. My counselors taught me how to care for others and myself in ways I may never have learned otherwise. It is an escape, it is a safe place for kids to explore their interests and be accepted exactly as they are.

As a kid, it felt like any tough time I had to get through was worth it, because Trefoil would always be there waiting for me.

As an adult, it gives me a sense of purpose and pride that I can create that sanctuary for the next generation. And there are hundreds of stories like mine. Trefoil Academy changes the world.

"Trefoil Academy is an incredibly well run organization. Throughout the 5 years that our daughter participated in the camps I have been impressed by the professionalism, detailed planning, and high level of care given to each participant. Trefoil Academy embodies excellence and it shows each summer. Trefoil has been an essential element of the growth and development of our daughter into a happy and healthy young adult."

"Trefoil Academy is by far the best camp I have ever been to. Even four years later, it still brings a smile to my face every time that I think of it. This camp allowed me to grow so much as a person by putting myself out there, trying new things, and making some amazing friends. My only regret is that I wasn't able to attend more sessions!"

"Taking my daughter each summer to the Trefoil Academy was one of the best things I have ever done for her. Each summer we would drive eleven hours to get there, a drive well worth the effort. When it came time to pick her up, the stories and the cheer in her eyes was amazing. The staff really know how to put on a summer camp for kids, that creates life long memories."

"Trefoil Academy has helped me grown into the person I am to day in many different ways. I’m forever grateful for Ash and everyone I have came into contact with there.

When I first came I was very scared. I was scared to be without my parents. I was scared to be around new people. I was scared to be myself.

This camp showed me that even if you feel by yourself or scared that you never are alone. Even if it was me crying from lights out to the sunrise, I always had someone sit with me and talk to me all night.

They taught me a lot of useful things that I will come to use in my future. If I’m being honest the most important thing they taught me is how to treat others and how one small act can change everything to someone.

I can never thank them enough. They help make the person I am today. This camp is transformative in every way. You have the best time of you life learning life lessons, being creative, challenging yourself, and thinking outside of the box! I can say this camp is my favorite memory as a child. I ALWAYS begged my parents to go back the next year."

"What is the impact of Trefoil Academy? My daughter, Julia, who is now almost 20 years old, has participated in Trefoil Academy for 7 years : 5 as a camper, 1 as an in-person councilor and 1 as a virtual counselor. She treasures the Trefoil time every year - one week ( or more with training) - and she has made friends in that one week that she keeps in touch with all year, year after year.

What I saw when she was a camper is that that my super introvert daughter could spend an entire week surrounded by people, most that she did not know, and living with out privacy or retreat space. She stayed engaged and participated, and then come home so overflowing with stories and experiences that she could barely stop talking for the entire hour and 1/2 ride home.

Then - she committed to transitioning to counselor. She trained and trained for that first year to be part of the kitchen staff (still the introvert). She spent a week in 100 degree heat, working in an unconditioned kitchen, cooking for 100 plus campers , and came home ready to do it again.

More recently, I have become aware that her personal values of inclusiveness are diversity mirror the values of Trefoil Academy ,and I strongly suspect they were rooted in the Trefoil experience and continue to be reinforced by her involvement.

In addition, I have observed that she has taken her values and the Trefoil training in terms how to and the importance of creating a team, and applied both to her college experience. She has accepted a mentorship roll in her living and learning community (that focuses on international diversity). In addition, she has started a part time job that requires her to single-handedly guide a group of students through a physical or virtual challenge and at the same time help them build a team and create a fun and positive experience for them. These skills were not taught in high school , nor did they come from her family (I wish!). I say “Thank you Trefoil! Thank you Ash!”

"Where do I even begin. I first came to Trefoil Academy when I was 9 and I’ve gone a total of 7 years! I wouldn’t keep going back if I didn’t love it.

I think it’s important especially at such a young age to have a safe space and that’s what Trefoil has been and is to me. Although it’s only 1 week in the summer, throughout the year I’d always have something to look forward to especially when times were tough.

There’s people (staff) that come from out of the country that’s how much love there is for it. It truly does feel like home and a family. No matter what you like there’s gonna be someone that has similar interests.

I think when kids feel like they have a safe space there’s less drama and no need for bullying. If kids feel like they aren’t getting judged they won’t judge. In all 7 years I don’t think I’ve ever had any problems with campers or staff. I think that attests to how well of a community it provides. It’s a safe space where kids can figure out who they want to be and who they really are.

It’s helped me figure out a lot of things about myself and being around such an inclusive place really helps to allow you to accept who you are.

That’s the other thing is the family atmosphere and the friendships doesn’t leave when you leave camp. When you go, you learn lessons even if you don’t know it.

There’s a quote that’s used a lot at Trefoil Academy “actions have consequences” I never completely understood what it meant when I was younger. The mystery at camp helped teach us that no matter what you do, even if you chose to do nothing you’re still choosing to do something and it’ll have consequences. Sometimes they’re good and sometimes they’re bad, but you work with what you got."

"There are not many institutions around that simultaneously foster and encourage empowerment, a safe and inclusive space for anyone, and the unique experience that is Trefoil Academy.

I was a camper since the first year Trefoil opened, and only had to leave for college out of state. It is hard so succinctly portray the impact that Trefoil has had on me and other Alumni. It goes beyond the magic, the camp culture, or even the overarching mystery. Every single person at Trefoil, staff or student, are what make the place special. Everyone can be their truest self in a world where that is not encouraged and everyone at Trefoil Academy rallies around you. For me personally, I came to Trefoil expecting a normal summer camp experience. I stayed so many years because I was given the encouragement by the staff and fellow campers to embrace the nerdy sides of myself that I thought were embarrassing or should be hidden. The staff were true role models to me both in their camp roles as well as the extremely intelligent and successful people they are outside of camp.

By the time I had to leave Trefoil, I felt like I had learned the lesson about myself that pushed me to excel in my studies and even reach for a graduate education which I never thought feasible without the encouragement of Trefoil. Thank you Trefoil!"

"I have had some of the greatest experiences of my life at Trefoil. Some of my closest friends are ones that I made at camp. I've learned many new things and it was one of the first places I truly felt safe to be who I am. This camp has honestly saved my life and I can't wait to be a counselor in the future and help others the way this camp has helped me."

"Trefoil Academy has had a positive impact on my life since I was nine years old. It taught me to be my authentic self and to accept myself no matter what. I met some of my best friends there who I still talk to after several years. Trefoil Academy has been and always will be my home."

"Trefoil Academy helped me gain the confidence that I needed to be myself and to be able to connect with others. It helped me be more willing to connect with people I never would have thought I would get along with, and helped me become a more open person. It also gave me a place to talk about and understand emotional turmoil. We talked about how to treat our fellow campers kindly and how to accept and respect people that we maybe didn’t understand. Talking about ways to deal with your stress or healthy ways to tell people you’re having a crazy time shaped my ability to communicate my needs to everyone around me. Trefoil helped shape me into the person I am today through open communication and promoting kindness always."

"I have been a part of Trefoil Academy since I was 13, about 9 years ago, and ever since then I have stayed. What got me interested in the camp in the first place was the theme, but I stayed because of the amount of effort the staff put into the camp. There was a big overarching mystery that was really fun and the staff were so into it, they had skits and truly went above and beyond. I decided to become staff, and while I found that skits and playing a character weren't for me I still found a place for me there where I could help. That's what I think Trefoil Academy encompasses. Everywhere in this camp, there is a place for you. Everyone is so friendly and kind and there is a huge community feeling. If you don't feel like you belong anywhere, you will belong here."

"Going to this camp really helped me to open up to people and connect with them. It helped me make lasting friends who I genuinely have connections with. I also learned how to be patient and understanding with younger kids. Of course I had a blast and even learned how to get out of my comfort zone a bit. I also love how It is so welcoming doesn't matter what you do or your interests are you will fit in. There are people for you at this camp."