2025 Annual Report: The First Step Changed Everything

For Blia, PEAK is more than a program, it’s a community her family has grown with for the past four years.

As a mother of four boys, trust mattered. Being Hmong American, sending her children to day or overnight camps didn’t come easily. But after hearing about PEAK through her sister, she took a chance and it quickly became an experience she now shares with others.

Her son’s first trip to Lake Valley Camp was a big step. He arrived not knowing anyone. He was quiet, nervous, and unsure but he left more confident, more connected, and proud of himself for trying new things. “PEAK is a space where you’re able to grow, connect with others, and get out of your comfort zone,” Blia shared.

Since then, all of her sons have participated, each growing in their own way. Blia values the opportunity for them to attend different sessions, allowing them to build independence, explore new environments, and develop confidence on their own terms.

That impact inspired Blia to get more involved. What began as supporting her children turned into stepping into a part-time staff role wanting to give back and be part of the same community that had given so much to her family. Through that experience, she saw firsthand the consistency, care, and intention behind PEAK programs.

“From a parent perspective, it’s scary to send your child somewhere new,” she shared. “But at PEAK, you see the same staff year after year and that makes all the difference.”

Blia’s children have gained more than memories. They’ve built confidence, embraced new experiences, and developed a deeper understanding of the world around them. From new friendships to new places, PEAK has expanded their sense of what’s possible.

Today, Blia continues to share her family’s experience by encouraging other families to take that same first step. PEAK isn’t just a program. It’s a place where young people grow, and where families find connection, trust, and opportunity.