We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Gunther a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

In a world where the challenges faced by neurodivergent children are often overlooked, a spark of inspiration ignited a mission to create Camp Willow: a transformative summer camp program tailored specifically for kids with moderate ADHD, learning differences, and social anxiety.

The idea for Camp Willow took root during a conversation with a dear friend and client Margot Anderson, a seasoned Camp Founder who has dedicated 32 years of her life to running life-changing camps for at-risk youth. My own experience as a camp counselor at one of her camps had left a lasting impression on me. I witnessed firsthand the incredible transformations among the campers, who emerged from the experience with newfound confidence and lifelong friendships.

Together, we discussed the myriad groups of youth who find themselves navigating life’s challenges without adequate support. As a parent of a child with ADHD and Dyslexia, I am intimately familiar with the stigma, shame, and frustration that often accompany these conditions. I understood the intricate web of struggles that can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of isolation.

That conversation became a turning point. A realization struck: there is a vast community of children who could benefit from the magic of camp. Thus, Camp Willow was born.

Determined to create a place where kids with ADHD and related challenges could thrive, I embarked on a comprehensive journey of research and collaboration. I reached out to a network of experts, including psychologists, therapists, doctors, teachers, and the CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) community. I sifted through evidence-based practices that have proven successful in supporting these children, seeking the best strategies tailored to their unique needs.

The quest didn’t stop at research; we immersed ourselves in trainings and formed relationships with industry leaders, all while studying existing programs to ensure we filled a distinctive void. Attending the ADHD Conference further deepened my understanding of the neurodivergent world, equipping me with insights into the challenges these individuals face and how we can facilitate meaningful changes in their lives.

One of the most significant components of Camp Willow is our commitment to supporting parents/caregivers as well as children. We recognize that the journey does not end with the camper; parents often grapple with their own struggles, frustrations, and questions. By building a community for parents/caregivers, we aim to foster a supportive network that extends beyond the campgrounds.

With guidance from Margot, who continues to advise on the camp’s implementation, we are excited to announce that Camp Willow is set to launch its inaugural session in July 2025. As we prepare for this adventure, we are fortunate to be surrounded by a team of dedicated experts who share our vision and commitment.

The story of Camp Willow is just beginning, and we can’t wait to introduce children to an environment where they can feel accepted, understood, and empowered. Together, we are hopeful that Camp Willow will not only change lives but also create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond our camp.

Samantha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m thrilled to share my journey and the mission behind Camp Willow, a transformative summer camp program dedicated to empowering children with moderate ADHD, learning differences, and social anxiety.

As a dedicated mom to an amazing son with ADHD, my personal journey has ignited a passion within me to support children facing similar challenges. Having spent over 30 years in marketing and events, I’ve honed my skills in creating meaningful and impactful experiences for both children and adults. My years as a camp counselor, combined with my extensive career, have equipped me with the tools necessary to develop engaging and supportive programs that truly make a difference.

The inspiration for Camp Willow emerged from my deep commitment to helping children with ADHD and their families thrive combined with a great collaboration with Margot Anderson who has 32+ years experience running camps for at-risk youth. I understand the struggles these kids face, and I believe in providing them with the guidance, tools, and nature-based experiences they need to succeed. Our camp offers a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can learn tools to succeed, regain confidence and build connections with peers who share their experiences.

What sets Camp Willow apart is our integration of evidence-based practices such as UCLA PEERS and ThinkKids to name a few, that interlace with traditional fun camp activities in our programming. By harnessing the beauty of nature, kids are free from technology, they have fresh delicious low fructose meals in an environment where we create opportunities for growth, learning, and joy. Additionally, we recognize the importance of supporting parents on this journey. It is my goal to provide the resources and community support I wish I had as a parent, helping families navigate their unique challenges together.

I am incredibly proud of the collaborative spirit behind Camp Willow. We have consulted with experts in psychology, therapy, and education to ensure that our programs are effective and meaningful. We are committed to fostering resilience and self-esteem in our campers, enabling them to thrive and live happier, more fulfilling lives.

As we prepare for our inaugural camp session in July 2025, I want potential clients and followers to know that Camp Willow is more than just a camp; it’s a vibrant community centered on understanding, acceptance, and collective growth. Together, we can change the perspective for children with ADHD and learning differences, building a brighter future for them and their families.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

It was a scary unsettling time but out of it came an awesome opportunity. I got laid off a job just as COVID hit unknowingly it became a gift in disguise. I had been in many teacher conferences hearing about how my son struggles to focus and follow assignments but it wasn’t until he was home during the lockdown and I had to sit by his side to make sure he was following the class that I completely understood what the teachers were talking about. I saw it first hand. I felt his pain and their pain and my own pain trying to figure out how best to help him. Even as we were slowly coming out of lockdown, I casually looked for a permanent job but nothing was falling in place. I also realized our son needed more support and I couldn’t provide that for him if I was working full time. Helping him was becoming my main focus so I gave it 100%. As school became full time, he still needed support so I felt I could take on clients as a consultant helping them build their business, brands and produce events. It worked perfectly into my schedule and at the time I didn’t realize how these two worlds would combine. I got a call from a friend who needed help with a fundraiser for her Summer Camp business. I was happy to help out as I had been a counselor for one of her camps many years back. This is where my two worlds collided and the idea of Camp Willow was born bringing together a passion, and things I am an expert in to help others with a great partner.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The pandemic threw my life into a tailspin. I lost my job, and suddenly I was homeschooling my son. It was a period of intense uncertainty. Many days I questioned my decision to prioritize his needs over my career. Doubt gnawed at me, and there were moments of deep frustration and even depression.

But amidst the chaos, something began to shift I had to work outside the box, find alternative solutions. I started to understand my son’s challenges which drove me to research and find solutions.

I also discovered a new sense of purpose in my freelance work, helping other businesses thrive which lead to me finding a greater passion and purpose for my life in creating Camp Willow.

Looking back, I realize that those challenging times, though difficult, were preparing me for something greater. They forced me to re-evaluate my priorities and discover a path that aligned with my deepest values. Now, I feel a sense of accomplishment and joy that stems from the creation of Camp Willow. It’s a testament to the resilience I found within myself during those challenging times.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.campwillowusa.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campwillowusa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campwillowusa/
• Twitter: https://x.com/CampWillowUSA
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/camp-willow-pasadena

Image Credits

Image of my son taken by Kersti Kooiman