Insights

Earlier this year, we released our 2022 Impact Report, highlighting Cambium Learning Group’s collective work to drive improved outcomes for the people, communities, and groups we serve. The report details the current state of Cambium’s reach and our momentum over the last year, including real-world case studies from the Cambium family brands. In this blog series, we will take a deeper dive into those featured case studies. Read on for a Q&A with Lynn Newton, Camp Lexia Director and Project Design Lead, to learn more about the Camp Lexia case study.

What was the impetus for Camp Lexia?

The impetus for Camp Lexia began with a Community Engagement survey conducted by Mike Tecca and the RECESS (Reason to Engage, Connect, and Enjoy Social Settings) committee. The survey supplied some interesting data on employees’ interests and hobbies. We observed that people across the company had many shared interests, and the RECESS committee sought out a way to create community in our new remote first environment.

I had the idea for a virtual summer camp for adults. The camp would be volunteer-led, bring people together through a variety of activities, and provide a welcome break from the daily stresses of work. I wanted to bring back that sense of joy and endless possibilities I felt as a child when school was over and summer began. Who doesn’t want to be a kid again, if only for an hour or two? Fortunately, when the idea was pitched to the executive leadership team, it was met with overall enthusiasm and support.

What did you learn from Camp Lexia about your employees?

I learned that my fellow employees are very creative, have a wide range of talents, and are willing to volunteer their time to engage, connect, and share with others. This year we added a competitive element to camp by making it a team challenge. I was blown away by the enthusiasm of the ‘campers’ who showed up with their teams backgrounds, team colored apparel, donning their Camp Lexia sunglasses and even putting team color face paint on! The competition was fierce, the engagement was exhilarating, the fun was infectious, and the joy made me smile.

What does the future look like for Camp Lexia? 

The RECESS committee was so pleased with the success of our first Camp Lexia in August of 2022. We tried to replicate that success by offering a Winter Retreat in March of 2023 to mixed results. While the counselors had dynamic activities planned, impediments such as major product releases, conferences, and deadlines negatively affected participation. It’s been difficult to find a time that suits every department in the company.

It is likely we will continue to offer summer camp as long as there is interest. In 2024, Lexia will celebrate our 40th Anniversary and we hope to use that opportunity to offer the best camp ever.

What's something in your personal or career life that has impacted you in a positive way?

My summers spent at camp had a big impact on my personal and professional development. Not only did I learn to swim, canoe, and build a campfire from tinder and twigs, but I also learned how to work together with kids from different backgrounds. I gained confidence, developed problem-solving skills, learned how to lead, and when to follow.

Today, forty years later, I remain involved in the YMCA Day Camp where I spent all those summers. I established a scholarship to provide others the opportunity to attend camp with the hopes of making a positive impact.