Agency Fundholder Spotlight: Camp Braveways

YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis helps nonprofits build Endowment Funds that promote long-term stability, generate future income, and strengthen Donor trust. YouthBridge provides affordable investment management, endowment education, personalized guidance, financial reporting, and annual matching funds for eligible child-serving nonprofits. Through these services, our staff works alongside organizations to help sustain their mission and secure their long-term impact.

Nonprofits with Endowment Funds at YouthBridge are called Agency Fundholders. Each month, YouthBridge spotlights one Fundholder, celebrating partnerships that strengthen connections across our community.

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we are pleased to highlight Camp Braveways, formerly Camp Rainbow. Its Endowment is helping build the long-term stability needed to keep that mission strong for generations. Camp Braveways offers a powerful example of what an Endowment can make possible—and why nonprofits should consider preparing for this important step in their own sustainability journey. Executive Director Heather Bachman shares insights into what this Endowment means to the organization.

Q. What is the story behind the change from Camp Rainbow to Camp Braveways, and what does the new name represent about who you are and the future you envision for children and families facing childhood cancer?

Camp Rainbow became Camp Braveways to better reflect the courage we witness every day in campers, families, volunteers, and medical partners. The new name honors our history while expressing our future: creating free, medically supported experiences where families find joy, connection, confidence, and community.

Q. Can you share a moment, experience, or example that illustrates how the stability provided by your Endowment helps Camp Braveways change a child’s or family’s experience with childhood cancer?

Our Endowment’s stability helped us launch Braveways Forward, our newest program for families grieving the loss of a child to cancer. It ensures these families can gather at no cost to remember their child, connect with others who understand, and take meaningful steps forward together.

Q. What motivates you to continue growing your Endowment through YouthBridge, and what difference does having those resources available for the long-term make in the lives of the children and families you serve?

Growing our Endowment through YouthBridge helps ensure Camp Braveways remains a source of joy, connection, and belonging for generations to come. These long-term resources provide stability, allowing us to keep programs free, respond to emerging needs, and serve families when they need us most.

Q. Beyond your Endowment, what exciting news, milestones, programs, or upcoming opportunities would you like the community to know about as you continue building the future of Camp Braveways?

Camp Braveways is entering a new chapter, expanding our reach through eight year-round programs, including Braveways Forward for bereaved families and expanded Camp-In programming at partner hospitals. We look forward to welcoming more families, creating new partnerships, and building an even stronger community.

If you are interested in establishing or supporting an Endowment—please contact Director of Donor Initiatives Julia Lucas.

Those wishing to make a lasting investment in Camp Braveways future may contribute directly to its Endowment through the YouthBridge website.