A summer experience students remember and communities are proud of.
Now in our third year, Camp Ignite is back with engagement at an all-time high — ready to take the summer to another level.
More than a summer program.
Summer Discovery through Camp Ignite is a critical opportunity to provide children and families with a summer experience that is safe, academically meaningful, joyful, and unforgettable.
We are serving communities where quality summer options are often limited, and we take seriously the opportunity to create a program that blends strong instruction with wonder, enrichment, and belonging.
Our promise to every child & family
- A safe, academically meaningful summer experience
- Strong instruction blended with wonder and enrichment
- A place of belonging for every child
- High-quality, high-touch, high-impact programming
Centered on learning, but epic at the same time.
We want students to grow in reading, math, confidence, teamwork and self-expression — while engaging in STEM, Science Mania, art, sports, music, drama, swimming, mentoring, field trips, and themed events that make them excited to show up each day.
Camp Ignite is a place where children are learning so deeply and joyfully that they barely realize how much they are growing.
High-quality. High-touch. High-impact.
Joy
Every day is designed to feel epic, exciting and unforgettable.
Excellence
Strong academic instruction blended with rich enrichment.
Belonging
Every child feels welcome, affirmed and celebrated.
Community
Families are partners — not visitors — in the camp experience.
PCDC
Perfecting Community Development Corporation
7616 East Nevada · Detroit, MI
pcdcdetroit.orgCamp Ignite is a PCDC camp.
Camp Ignite is hosted and powered by Perfecting Community Development Corporation (PCDC) — a Detroit-based nonprofit committed to strengthening neighborhoods through youth, family, and community development.
PCDC's leadership, facilities, and deep community roots make Camp Ignite possible — and ensure every dollar from our funders translates into real impact for Detroit kids.
Visit PCDC
A regional investment in Southeast Michigan kids.
The Ballmer Group is making an investment in summer enrichment for students in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. Camp Ignite is proud to be part of that effort.
Parents and community leaders tell us there are not enough summer enrichment programs in Southeast Michigan, and that barriers like transportation and cost prevent families from enrolling their children even when spots exist. Michigan parents also report that afterschool and summer programs help them keep their jobs, build connections to their children's education, and keep their children safe and engaged in learning.
Summer Discovery is a regional effort designed for students and families in Southeastern Michigan, where many students need more access to learning and activity opportunities during the summer break. The program champions equitable access to safe, quality out-of-school-time (OST) programs that grow academic outcomes, expand career exposure, engage families, and deepen community support for afterschool and summer programs.
Launched in summer 2024, Summer Discovery funded programming for ~16,500 students across the Tri-County area in its first year, and reached nearly 30,000 students last year.
16,500+
Students served in 2024
30,000
Students reached in 2025
3
Counties: Wayne · Oakland · Macomb
Independently evaluated impact
Independent research group MGT evaluated Summer Discovery to better understand its impact. Their research found that in both 2024 and 2025, students across site types and demographic groups saw growth in Math, ELA, and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills. Students, families, and educators reported high satisfaction — and students felt more prepared for the next school year.
Powered by partners who believe in Detroit kids.
Through the gracious support of The Ballmer Group and Building Impact, Camp Ignite is ready to take Summer 2026 to another level — keeping the program completely free for every family.
Enroll your child today →