Each summer our community at camp is created anew with young people and staff from across the U.S. and as far away as countries such as Australia, England, Japan, and Italy. We come from cities, rural areas, and small towns hoping to make new friends and reconnect with old. For some of us, this is a summer tradition that has carried on for generations, for others it is a first foray into time away from home without family. Every summer new memories are created, skill sets and confidence grow, and our network of “Nest friends” expands.
Our unique and special community at camp would not be what it is without Eagle’s Nest’s ability to provide financial assistance to those who may not otherwise be able to afford or fully afford 1, 2 or 3 weeks at a residential summer camp. Each year we budget to grant scholarships amounting to nearly $115,000 from our operating fund. Our loyal donors and supporters make another $35,000 in aid possible with their generous donations. Many of those donations come from campers themselves who know in their heart what it means to have this experience and want to do their part in making the community strong.
Every summer approximately 20% of our campers receive some level of financial assistance through our Campership Program. We believe that financial status should not be a deterrent to fulfilling a child’s dream to make that leap and expand their horizon in a safe, supporting, joyful and challenging environment. To be able to come to a place where each person can sink deeply into the natural world, know that they are an important cog in the community wheel, and grow into their best self.
We are so grateful to our extended Eagle’s Nest family who makes these dreams come true. Thank you for believing and supporting the power of a community that is made up of folks from all walks of life. If your dream is to be at Eagle’s Nest this summer and you need some help to make it come true, we have our last financial aid application deadline on February 15th. We’ll do all we can to bring that dream to reality.
By Noni Waite-Kucera