Friends of Paha was founded in 2003 by a caring group of parents, grandparents and community volunteers associated with Lakewood's Camp Paha program. This group combined their skills and talents in order to raise support for operational costs and to help individual campers pay their camp fees. 

Each year, Friends of Paha accomplishes this goal by applying for grants from foundations and organizations and by hosting several fundraising events.  Since 2003, Friends of Paha has raised over $500,000 for Camp Paha. This ongoing support helps keep Camp Paha operating each summer and ensures camp fees remain affordable for families.