Camping
For Coats

2025 Coat Count

1,766

Since 2017

17,766

Coats

17,766

Students

37

Schools

471,817

Raised

70

Average of schools we support experiencing children living at or below the poverty line.

11

Nights of Sleeping Outside

Our Mission

After learning about the high percentages of children living at or below the poverty line in our local elementary schools between Newport, Stanton and the Wilmington area, Sam’s KIDS (formerly Delaware KIDS Fund) and Harvey, Hanna & Associates partnered with national non-profit coat manufacturer and distributor, Operation Warm. The mission is simple: provide EVERY child at EVERY school a brand-new Operation Warm coat. A new coat for a child creates a sense of pride, offers physical and emotional warmth, boosts confidence and self-esteem, increases peer acceptance and improves daily attendance in school. It’s more than a coat. Altogether, this creates a stronger foundation for our community.

In 2017, Sam’s KIDS (formerly The Delaware KIDS Fund) created a community-wide, challenge based fundraising platform. A team of brave volunteers decided to sleep outside for one night in the heart of Newport, Delaware. Camping out on a frigid night in November represents a commitment to warming up our children in need and to help accelerate monetary donations. Since our first camp in 2017, Sam’s KIDS (formerly The Delaware KIDS Fund) has been able to raise enough money to purchase over 17,766 coats for 17,766 elementary students at 37 different schools.

We hope you will join us on this inspiring journey to help foster our next generation in need.

NEW CAMPSITE IN 2026: Join us for a night out to support our local kids in need on Saturday, November 14th at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, Delaware!

🔥 THE CAMP KICK-OFF PARTY
Camping or not, anyone and everyone is welcome to kick off this milestone year with our Annual Camp Kick-Off Celebration in the outfield at Frawley Stadium, featuring:

• Live music
• Food & drinks
• Silent auction
• Bonfires
• Fireside chats
• Hot chocolate + S’mores Bar and much more!

Then, our campers will settle in for the night as we take on one of Delaware’s most unique — and challenging — fundraisers, all in support of local kids.

Sam’s KIDS (formerly Delaware KIDS Fund) is a 501(c)3 organization established and founded in 2008 and is dedicated to providing goods and services to children at risk and in distressed situations.

Camping

Saturday, November 14, 2026
Frawley Stadium, Wilmington, Delaware – 801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801

Camp Kick-Off Happy Hour: Camping or not camping, ALL are welcome to our new campsite at Frawley Stadium. 4PM – 9PM featuring Live Music, food and drinks, silent auction, bonfires, s’more’s bar, fireside chats and more! 

How Does it Work?

  • Register to camp through the link below (link available in September)
  • Fundraising instructions and camp FAQ’s will be emailed directly from our KIDS Fund camp counselors.
  • Grab your camping gear, pitch a tent, set up a bonfire and huddle up with your friends and family and camp for a coat!
    #itsmorethanacoat
    #communitystrong!

Contact

Camping for Coats Event Director
Ryan Kennedy
302-245-5465 | ryan@kennedyideas.com | www.kennedyideas.com

 

info@samkids.org
www.samskids.org

 

For all inquiries, volunteer opportunities and various sponsorship opportunities, contact Ryan Kennedy at ryan@kennedyideas.com or use the form below:

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