CAMP SPOTLIGHT: CAREER CAMP ATL
A Conversation with Brian Keefer, Founder of Career Camp ATL
As a parent and the founder of Camp Days, I’m always looking for camps that offer something truly meaningful for kids and teens. When I first learned about Career Camp ATL, I was immediately drawn to the idea of giving middle and high school students the opportunity to explore real career paths before they make big decisions about college or their future. Programs like this can help kids discover interests they didn’t know they had, build confidence, and start thinking about what kind of life they want to create for themselves.
That’s why I wanted to sit down with Brian Keefer, the founder of Career Camp ATL. I was curious to learn what inspired him to start the camp, how the program has evolved, and the impact he’s seen on the students who attend. In our conversation, Brian shares the story behind Career Camp and why helping young people explore their potential earlier can make such a powerful difference.
Tell me a little about yourself and what inspired you to start Career Camp.
I live here in the Atlanta Metro area with my wife and 2 sons. About 8 years ago, I was lying awake in bed, worrying, as most parents do, about my kids' future: who they would become, what careers they might choose, whether those careers would truly align with who they are and what brings them joy, and how I could support them. As public school educators for our entire careers, my wife and I both felt we were not fully equipped to support their journey. I then listed all the supports I could think of, consulted experts in the field, and structured them in one place to provide a unified experience. Career Camp Atlanta was born.
What was the moment when you thought, “I should turn this into a camp”?
My oldest son is a junior in high school, and my youngest is in 6th grade. They represent both ends of the spectrum for the kids we're serving at Career Camp Atlanta. It was time to launch this camp to serve kids and parents who, like us, are trying to navigate this whole college and career exploration journey.
Had you worked with kids or education before launching Career Camp?
I'm a 25-year public school educator, still working in the school system. I've taught all grades K-12 and served as principal for 8 years, including earning the Georgia Principal of the Year.
What problem were you hoping to solve for kids or parents?
Career Camp Atlanta believes that by matching students with their aptitudes, providing immersive career exploration opportunities, and equipping parents to support them, we will increase students' postsecondary completion and fulfillment in their chosen career path and in life.
What kinds of careers do kids get to explore?
Campers will explore careers in fields that are needed now and also projected to be needed in the next 10-20 years. These include AI, Healthcare, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, Architecture, Law, Skilled Trades, Engineering, Design, Education, and More!
What age groups tend to get the most out of the program?
Middle school is when students get started on the right path, beginning to narrow their focus regarding the courses they choose in middle and high school, the clubs or teams they join, and the extracurriculars that make their college applications stand out. High school students narrow their focus to a preferred campus style and program of study. However, the YouScience survey found that 75% of high school graduates don't feel prepared to make college or career decisions after graduation. That tells us this camp will have a tremendous benefit.
What do you hope kids walk away with after a week at camp?
We want campers to walk away with a clearer vision of their future and increased confidence in knowing how to achieve it
How is Career Camp different from traditional summer camps?
Traditional summer camps offer fun activities, but they don't necessarily have the impact ours does. Our camp includes significant support beyond the 4 days of camp. We've partnered with Find Your Grind, which has created a platform of career exploration modules to help campers dive deeper into careers they may want to explore as they continue to evolve their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Campers have access to the platform for a full year. Additionally, when campers participate in their career workshops, the in-the-field professionals leading them are seeking potential interns and future employees.
What advice would you give parents who want to help their kids explore different career paths?
When you register your child for camp, you are also invited to our Parent Empowerment Workshop night. We'll arm parents with financial wisdom on scholarship and grant programs. We'll bring college admissions team members from Kennesaw State, Georgia Tech, and the University of Georgia to provide inside information on what they're looking for in college applications, and more.
If a parent is considering Career Camp, what would you want them to know?
The average 4-year degree in the United States costs $153,000. However, if 75% of high school graduates don't feel prepared to make college or career decisions after high school, that investment has a high probability of being a tremendous waste of money and time if, upon reaching independent adulthood, that degree didn't match what brings their child joy, resulting in them pursuing another field or job. Career Camp Atlanta is an investment in narrowing the focus during the most important window in their child's life. That's why I built it for my kids, and for yours. We help students and their families "Find Your Direction".
We’re grateful to Brian for sharing the story behind Career Camp ATL and the passion that inspired him to create such a thoughtful experience for students and families. Programs like Career Camp give middle and high schoolers a unique opportunity to explore their interests, build confidence, and begin thinking about their future in a meaningful way. If you’re a parent looking for a camp that goes beyond the traditional summer experience, Career Camp ATL is definitely worth exploring.
Explore Career Camp ATL on Camp Days → https://app.campdays.com/camps/career-camp-atlanta
Sincerely,
Katie
Camp Days, Founder
