RennerVation Foundation Hosts Unforgettable Summer Camp for Foster and At-Risk Youth

From June 30 to July 5, the RennerVation Foundation, founded by actor and philanthropist Jeremy Renner, welcomed 111 foster and at-risk youth to South Shore, Lake Tahoe, for an unforgettable week of summer camp. The RennerVation Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit active in Storey County, provided this forest camp experience at no cost to foster families, thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners. For children navigating the foster care system or challenging family dynamics, Camp RennerVation offers more than a summer camp; it’s a rare opportunity to feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

“As a nonprofit, we exist to give kids a place where they can just be kids,” said Kym Renner, President and CEO of the RennerVation Foundation. “They build friendships, reconnect with siblings, find lifelong mentors, and gain skills and confidence that extend far beyond the week.”

Program Highlights

• Hot Air Balloon Tethered Rides: Courtesy of The Great Reno Balloon Race, featuring Sushi the Flying Goldfish, this early morning experience thrilled campers.
• Gardening Classes: Led by celebrity chef Cloyce Martin (Below Deck), campers learned about growing food and explored a chicken coop.
• Interactive Cheer Performance: The Nevada Wolf Pack Spirit Program from the University of Nevada, along with mascots Alphie, Wolfie Jr., and Luna, engaged campers in cheer activities. Softball team members also played catch and assisted with batting practice.
• Shopping Day: Each camper selected a new pair of shoes, a book, clothing items, and a bucket hat, boosting their confidence.
• Drum Circle: Led by Dave Rogers of Drum Love, this activity became a lively group event on a rainy day, fostering collaboration.
• Clay Art Activity: Art teacher Milli Meng guided campers in creating clay art, which she baked and returned in personalized bags.
• Sound Baths: A three-night series led by Nichole M. Schembre from NAMI Northern Nevada provided a calming end to the day.
• Visual Art Projects: Local artist and PTO President Will Burrows led creative art sessions.
• Musical Theater Class: Actress Kara Jones (Mayor of Kingstown) taught musical theater and directed the camp’s talent show.

Carnival Day

Campers enjoyed a festive Carnival Day with classic games like skeeball, soft axe throwing, a dunk tank, and soft archery, where Jeremy Renner assisted with bow handling. An Angry Birds-themed slingshot game was a hit, alongside performances by The Biggest Little Circus and a crowd-favorite magician from White Rabbit Theater. Kiva Juice provided smoothies, and Super Simple Photography offered a photo booth, capturing memories with printed photos, including some with Jeremy Renner. The camp’s title sponsor, Lifeway Kefir, kept campers energized with probiotic-packed breakfast options.

Special Moments

On July 4, campers enjoyed a fireworks spectacular under the Lake Tahoe sky on a private beach. The week concluded with a chilly Beach Day and a Talent Show, where campers showcased their creativity and talents alongside peers.

Camp RennerVation created a safe space for children to grow emotionally and socially. Many reconnected with siblings separated by the foster system, caught up with friends, received guidance from mentors, and rediscovered how to smile.