10 Years of Camp Fihavanana: a Dream Rooted in Friendship, Grown through Community
April 2015 still feels like yesterday.
Ten years ago, aboard the MV Explorer during Semester at Sea, Sophie, River, and I shared late-night conversations about the kind of world we wanted to help build. We spoke of youth, of leadership, of the dreams that deserve to be nurtured in every corner of the globe. Out of those talks, Camp Fihavanana was born through the support of the Resolution Project - anchored in a belief that meaningful change begins with one person, one dream, and one chance.
Since then, that dream has taken root in Moramanga, Madagascar.
In the past decade, Camp Fihavanana has:
Hosted 5 transformational leadership camps,
Trained over 60 Malagasy and international staff members,
And welcomed more than 200 youth aged 13 - 18 into a community of purpose, hope, and belonging.
But these numbers only begin to tell the story.
At Camp Fi, campers and staff find space not just to learn, but to become. They leave camp with new worldviews, stronger voices, and deeper courage. Some step into their calling with confidence; others begin soul-searching journeys they never thought possible. Whether through poetry, conservation, sports, or engineering, each camper discovers that they are capable of shaping the future - not someday, but now.
And now, we’re dreaming even bigger.
The Next Chapter: Building a Permanent Home for Growth
We envision a full-time community center in Moramanga - a living space where the spirit of fihavanana (friendship, community, connection, and solidarity) continues year-round. This will be a place where alumni return not just to remember, but to grow.
Imagine a center where:
Youth receive guidance from coaches and mentors on careers, wellness, and life.
STEM, humanities, drama, poetry, ceramics, and leadership workshops coexist.
Cross-cultural exchanges create lifelong impact.
Dreams continue to be born - and nurtured - every single day.
This next step is bold. And it’s possible because of YOU.
Why Your Support Matters Now
To those who have supported Camp Fihavanana over the last 10 years - thank you. Your belief in us has changed lives in ways that can never fully be measured. You’ve helped build more than a camp; you’ve built a movement rooted in connection, courage, and care.
To those just discovering us - welcome. We invite you to join a community that’s growing not just in numbers, but in depth, love, and long-term impact.
Here’s How You Can Be Part of the Next 10 Years
Whether you’re an educator, artist, coach, environmentalist, or simply someone who believes in youth potential - we want to partner with you:
Are you a study abroad program looking for meaningful international experiences? Let’s connect.
Are you a sports coach or artist? Come run a session at camp.
Are you passionate about STEM, conservation, or global citizenship? Let’s build something lasting.
Do you believe in the power of dreams? Help us fund the community center that will make them real.
Together, We Can Keep the Dream Alive
Your continued support - whether financial, in-kind, or collaborative - is what fuels our mission. Let’s keep building a world where young people believe they matter, and where the spirit of fihavanana lives on for generations to come.
Learn more at campfihavanana.org
Contact us at info@campfihavanana.org