April 29, 2026

The Moment That Changed Everything

At Adventure Island Camp, a simple moment on the island became a life-changing breakthrough.

For over 30 years, Shake-A-Leg Miami has been the backdrop for thousands of life-changing stories. Kids who stepped onto a boat for the first time and walked away with a new sense of who they could become. Families who found a community. Children who discovered confidence, friendship, and freedom by the water.

This summer, as part of the Batchelor Challenge, we're sharing some of those stories — one each week — to celebrate the real, lasting impact of what a single summer by the water can do.

This week, we're sharing Craig's.

Where it all began

For Craig Kirk, Director of Adventure Island Camp, summer is filled with purpose, memories, and moments that show why this work matters.

Each year, campers come to swim, fish, kayak, sail, and enjoy Biscayne Bay. But beyond the activities, they find confidence, connection, and the freedom to be themselves.

"As the director of Adventure Island Camp, I have spent the past 18 years looking forward to another summer full of memories and life-changing experiences."

"While they are thrilled to be swimming, fishing, kayaking, and sailing amid the beauty of our island and Biscayne Bay, our campers are always reaching something deeper too. Alongside the Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR, and first-aid certified staff and mentors who accompany them in each activity in and out of the water, kids of all abilities are able to safely experience the power of the ocean together."

"I've found my purpose in the transformations of our campers, whether it is in the unique joy and pride on the face of every kid who has just caught their first fish, the comfort of new friends who understand their challenges, or even profound breakthroughs. I will never forget the non-verbal child who finally found his voice at our island cookout by mirroring me holding up hot dogs and repeating, ‘Hot dogs! Hot dogs!’"

— Craig Kirk

A moment that meant everything

That moment was simple: a cookout on the island, a hot dog in hand, and a child repeating two words. But for that child and his family, it meant everything.

"At Adventure Island Camp, moments like this happen every summer."

— Craig Kirk, Director of Adventure Island Camp

Sometimes those moments look like a camper catching their first fish. Sometimes they look like a new friendship. Sometimes they sound like two words spoken for the very first time.

Somewhere out there,
the next breakthrough is waiting.

Craig's story is a reminder that summer camp can be more than a place to spend the day. It can be the place where a child finds their voice, discovers confidence, or experiences the water in a way that changes how they see themselves. For many families, the cost of camp is the door that stays closed. This summer, thanks to the Batchelor Foundation, you have a rare chance to open it.

The Batchelor Challenge

Every dollar you give
is doubled.

Your gift unlocks matching funds — turning one scholarship into two, and one summer into countless stories like Craig's.

Our goal this summer

$165,000

in scholarships, every dollar matched.

Open the door → Donate now

100% of your gift funds summer camp scholarships.

This is part of a series of impact stories we'll be sharing throughout the Batchelor Challenge 2026. Stay tuned for more stories of lives shaped by a summer on the water.

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