Teaching Kids To Aim Higher
This couple inspired teens to believe in themselves — and each other.
By Allison Kenien
Aim High Runners
There aren’t many places where teenagers feel instantly welcome. But Aim High Running Camp was one of those rare finds.
For 24 years, camp owners Jen and Dave Patruno created a culture of shared motivation that made high schoolers feel confident. At Aim High, they knew they could challenge themselves, make lifelong friends, and be themselves.
“We didn't have to tell anybody, ‘You're going to feel good here; you're going to be included,’ Dave said. “You got there, and you were a part of it. We knew it, the staff knew it, the campers knew it, everyone knew it.”
That was the magic of Aim High. It may have looked like any other camp to outsiders, but within the high school running community, it grew into a legendary rite of passage.
Three-time Olympian and Liverpool, NY native Jen Rhines with Dave, Jen, Jonathan (r) and Chris Patruno (l)
Aim High began as many new ventures do: small, scrappy, and hopeful. Both Jen and Dave were accomplished runners and had worked at other camps in the past. So, when a campground in the Adirondacks approached them about starting a new program, they saw an opportunity to create something truly unique.
They started by building a foundation that would put kids first. They recruited counselors who shared their values, designed programs that made every camper feel involved, and structured training groups to help every runner achieve their goals during the week of camp and beyond.
The first session of Aim High was held in 1997 with about 40 campers. The next year, enrollment tripled, and it continued to grow from there. Soon, the camp was sold out by the end of January every year.
The camp’s culture was electric, and it had an impact that lasted well beyond one short summer week. A staff member captured this vibe in a social media post with an image of himself and two others:
The kid next to me with the hat wanted to go faster… after already running 4 miles. Every few hundred meters, he would tell me how much it hurt. After approaching 3.1 miles [at the faster pace], he turned to me and said, ‘This is my fastest 5K ever.’ Still with about a mile to go, I cheered him on and helped him pull to what I knew was possibly his greatest running accomplishment to date. To help him excel to a point that he may not have reached by himself fueled me with such an emotion that I can’t explain. It’s moments like these that I believe make this camp so special. Although it’s my first time ever at Aim High, the magic of it has made me want experiences like these for a lifetime.
These moments turned teens who were strangers — and even rivals — into friends. The bonding was not a coincidence; in fact, it was part of the Patrunos’ plan from the beginning.
“There were schools that were incredible rivals, and when they found out they were going to be in the same cabin together, they said, ‘We can't believe you're doing this to us.’ Next thing we find out is that they're planning sleepovers at each other's houses. Those are friendships that grew beyond the camp. It kept us motivated to keep going and keep making it better and better.”
And the Patrunos did keep improving.
The camp was a passion project for Jen and Dave, not a source of income, since they already had established careers.
“It was all about the kids; that was our main motivation,” Dave said. “We loved running, so it was something we could do together.”
For the first few years, they operated at a loss, but eventually the venture turned profitable, and they funneled that money back to the campers by planning special programs and bringing in speakers like Olympians and world champions. They hoped to guide the kids to their highest potential, regardless of whether that happened on the track, at school, or elsewhere in life.
“We've had kids who were national champions and … kids who want to break a 10-minute mile. We wanted every single kid to feel valued, every single kid to believe that they could be good at whatever they define in setting goals. We were huge on goal-setting,” Jen said.
Dreams felt within reach because Jen and Dave showed every camper that they personally mattered, both on the track and off.
“Dave had an ability to make kids believe that they could do anything, as long as they set their mind to it,” Jen said. “And I was like ‘the mom.’ I was the one making sure everyone was okay. I was the one getting to know all the names. … People's names are important to them.”
With those roles in place, they created a special space for teens to show vulnerability and try harder. Dave and Jen practiced what they preached and brought their own two boys to the camp when they were just infants, showing the campers that they should truly feel at home.
Aim High Olympics Award Ceremony
“We saw it develop over time, and it really was a big family,” Jen said. “It didn't matter what running group you were in, what level you were at. Everyone was cheering for each other. Even outside of the week at Aim High, I think the most fascinating thing to me was at [a sectional meet], Aim High kids from different schools were all excited to see each other and talk to each other. I felt like the one week of Aim High had really turned into Aim High all year for these kids.”
Ultimately, more than a camp, the Patrunos formed a special kind of family, built over 24 years, with thousands of kids who were invited to be part of it. They retired in 2021.
“The most amazing thing, the biggest privilege, was to create something so special with the person who has been my best friend and love of my life,” Dave said. “We always kind of talk about bringing it back, and you know what… who knows?”
Aim High Campers
How To Aim High
Tips from Jen and Dave Patruno
Break down big goals into smaller, achievable goals that are specific and measurable so you stay motivated along the way.
Use visualization. Sit in a quiet place and visualize yourself achieving your goal. The more vivid the visualization, the better.
Use affirmations. Examples: “I run 5:45 for the mile.” “I love hills.” Say them 25 times out loud throughout the day.
Get a piece of paper, write your goal in the middle, and circle it.
It’s not just the goal that matters. It’s who you become in the process.
You can be very successful even if you do not reach your goal. If your goal is to run a 5:30 mile with a current best time of 5:55, and by season’s end you ran 5:40, did you fail? We think not.
And remember… Always keep it fun!