Project Phoebe is an experience offered to Last Year Seniors at Camp DeSoto - girls who have just completed their 10th grade year and are spending their last summer at DeSoto. Project Phoebe originated out of Sue Henry’s desire to teach girls about service. She wanted to provide an opportunity for the older girls in Camp to serve others as a part of their time at DeSoto, and she wanted them to connect with the community of Mentone.

Project Phoebe sometimes looks different from summer to summer, approaching the idea of “community service” from several different angles. But at its core, Project Phoebe remains the same: a chance for campers to get to know and appreciate the community around them through relational service.

This summer, the girls produced a podcast together as they reflected on their Camp experiences and what Project Phoebe was teaching them. The things they share here are beautiful. As one camper says, “Nobody walks out of Camp the same person they were when they walked in.” And girls, be sure, not one of you has walked through these gates who has not changed others, too.

As some campers are signing up for next summer and thinking through their cabin requests, these 11th grade girls are having to let go. Leaving behind something from childhood that we have loved so deeply is not easy, and girls, we are feeling for you. And we’re also so grateful for who you were in this place. Thanks for sharing your lives with Camp! You are a good, good part of DeSoto’s story.