Camp WIN Provides Another Year of Development, Learning and Fun

KANSAS CITY, MO (June 17, 2026) – WIN for KC’s Camp WIN, presented by the Kansas City Royals Foundation, returned for another remarkable year. For the past 25 years, Camp WIN has introduced girls across the community to sports and fitness while providing daily lessons that equip them with valuable life skills both on and off the field. Throughout the week, campers learned the importance of learn about self-awareness, calmness, regulation, resiliency and belonging as they challenged themselves to try new sports and grow in confidence. This year, WIN for KC placed a renewed emphasis on delivering a premier experience, providing campers with elite-level coaching, dedicated captains, and enhanced opportunities for personal and athletic development.

"The growth of Camp WIN isn't just about serving more girls, it's about serving them better. By expanding our staff team and enhancing training opportunities, we've elevated the camper experience through more meaningful connections, improved program delivery, and a greater focus on the social-emotional development that helps girls succeed both on and off the field."

- Taylor Banks, Director of WIN for KC

Camp by the numbers

It took close to a thousand people to make Camp WIN a success, and we couldn’t have done it without every one of them! From campers to coaches, captains to volunteers, everyone made this year’s Camp WIN a massive success. The numbers below reflect totals across two sessions of camp.

  • 700+ campers  

  • 200+ captains

  • 40 coaches and volunteers

Coaches

Camp WIN 2026 would not have been possible without the incredible coaches who dedicated their time and expertise to our campers. This year’s camp featured outstanding leaders from across the Kansas City sports community, including UMKC Women’s Basketball Head Coach Candi Whitaker, as well as representatives from the Kansas City Current, KC Glory, and KC Diamonds.

Their passion for teaching and mentoring helped create an exceptional experience for campers, providing instruction that went far beyond the fundamentals of each sport. We are proud to offer such a diverse range of athletic opportunities and grateful to the accomplished coaches who inspire our campers to grow in confidence, develop new skills, and discover a lifelong love of sports.

Captains

In addition to our outstanding coaches, Camp WIN 2026 was made even more impactful by the dedication and leadership of more than 200 high school captains. Throughout the two weeks of camp, these young leaders served as mentors, role models, and encouragers, helping create a positive and welcoming environment for every camper. Captains played a vital role in guiding campers through activities, building confidence, fostering friendships, and inspiring a love for sports and physical activity. Their energy and enthusiasm helped bring the Camp WIN experience to life each day.

The experience was equally meaningful for the captains themselves. Through their service, they developed valuable leadership and communication skills, earned community service hours, and formed lasting connections with fellow student leaders from across the Kansas City area. Camp WIN is designed to empower the next generation of leaders both on and off the field, and our captains are a shining example of that mission in action.

Interested in learning more about the captain program or becoming a captain at a future Camp WIN? Click here to learn more.

The Campers

More than 700 campers participated in Camp WIN 2026, making it another memorable year of learning, growth, and discovery. Throughout the two-week camp experience, girls from across the Kansas City region had the opportunity to explore 19 different sports while developing skills that extend far beyond athletics.Whether they were trying a sport for the first time or building on existing abilities, campers were encouraged to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zones, and embrace new experiences.

Beyond the sports and activities, Camp WIN provided an environment where meaningful friendships were formed, mentors were found, and confidence was built. Campers were surrounded by supportive coaches, dedicated captains, and peers who encouraged one another every step of the way, creating an atmosphere that was both empowering and inspiring.

We are grateful to every camper who joined us this year and helped make Camp WIN 2026 such a special experience. Stay tuned for information on Camp WIN 2027 as we can't wait to welcome the next generation of campers for another incredible summer!

Sponsors

Camp WIN would not be possible without the generous support of our presenting sponsor, the Kansas City Royals Foundation, and the many sponsors and partners who help make our mission a reality. Their support provides much more than meals, equipment, and camp resources, it helps ensure that every girl has the opportunity to experience Camp WIN.

Through the commitment of our sponsors and the generosity of corporate and private donors, Camp WIN is able to offer scholarships that help offset registration costs for families in need. Financial assistance is available for individual campers as well as multiple campers from the same household, helping remove barriers and expand access to the life-changing opportunities Camp WIN provides.

We are incredibly grateful for the organizations and individuals who invest in the next generation of girls through sports, leadership development, and personal growth. To learn more about scholarship opportunities and financial assistance, click here.

About WIN for KC
The Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC), was established in 1994 under the umbrella of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission, with the mission to ignite girls and women through advocating and promoting the lifetime value of sports and fitness, while providing opportunities for participation and leadership development.  WIN is a volunteer, membership-driven organization that operates as a program of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation. For more information, visit WINforKC.org. For the latest on WIN for KC news, follow on X, Facebook and Instagram.  

About The Kansas City Royals Foundation
The Kansas City Royals Foundation uses the power of sport to improve the lives of Kansas Citians by supporting literacy and education efforts, promoting healthy and active communities, uplifting our military and veterans, and more. Camp WIN is one of the hundreds of local nonprofits and youth programs they invest in each year, helping expand access and opportunity for youth across our community. For more information, visit https://www.mlb.com/royals/community/foundation.