about nor ala

Nor Ala Camp Champions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children experience the outdoors, build meaningful relationships, and develop the confidence and independence that come from participating in outdoor experiences. Camp Champions partners with families, local businesses, donors, and community organizations to make outdoor opportunities more accessible to children throughout North Alabama.

The organization was created in response to a growing need to get more kids into outdoor programs. Nor Ala Camp Champions works to fill that gap by providing scholarships for program and transportation fees for for children who have the financial barrier to attend outdoor out of school programs. In Addition, Nor Ala Camp Champions is host to other programs throughout North Alabama, one being Nor Ala Day Camp.

Through Nor Ala Day Camp and other community outdoor out-of-school programs, Camp Champions provides children with opportunities to spend meaningful time outdoors while developing social-emotional skills, confidence, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong appreciation for nature. The organization also works to reduce barriers to participation through scholarships and community partnerships, helping ensure that more children have access to these experiences regardless of their circumstances.

Nor Ala Camp Champions was founded by Kelie Cook, an experienced camp professional with more than a decade of experience running summer camp programs. Kelie previously served as the Camp Director at Pine Ridge Day Camp before founding Nor Ala Camp Champions. She holds a Master of Science in Camp Administration and Leadership from Touro University–Nevada and is passionate about creating meaningful camp experiences and watching children grow both throughout a summer and over the years.

Kelie continues to serve the broader camp community through volunteer work with the American Camp Association and previously served as a board member for Huntsville Young Professionals.