As we wind down our 2021 season, I wanted to take a moment today to share the joy we felt this summer being open, and ask for your continued support. We made an important decision this year – we opened for free and offered all camps and expeditions on a “pay-what-you-can” basis. Support from you, our community, made this possible. In 2021, you helped us achieve:
These changes increased access for everyone to our life-changing programs and experiences. Parents of campers supported the “pay-what-you-can” model and shared their thoughts:
“As a first-generation minority in America, who has never gone to summer camps, I would not have considered any overnight camps [for my child] … Thank you for opening a door for my child to experience summer camp.”
“I think the [pay-what-you-can] model is great because it allows teens from all backgrounds to be able to participate which enriches the experience for everyone.”
“As a first-generation minority in America, who has never gone to summer camps, I would not have considered any overnight camps [for my child] … Thank you for opening a door for my child to experience summer camp.”
“I think the [pay-what-you-can] model is great because it allows teens from all backgrounds to be able to participate which enriches the experience for everyone.”
“As a first-generation minority in America, who has never gone to summer camps, I would not have considered any overnight camps [for my child] … Thank you for opening a door for my child to experience summer camp.”
This summer you helped us give kids a connection with the lake, some for the first time in their lives. They got to try new things and meet new people. Our community is stronger because of the experiences these kids had together.Another parent shared:
“One positive point that I didn’t expect from his experience was how important this social experience was to him as a teen, after 17 months of COVID. My son is an environmentalist … And yet, after the trip, he is mostly talking about the people. He needed the social interaction and community environment so much: to be included, act “normally,” work as a team, and spend time with other teens in a safe environment … He commented that he knows he will be more confident entering high school not knowing anyone, since he’s done it already with Champlain Discovery.”
With your support, we will continue to be open for free for all visitors and summer camps and expeditions will continue to be pay-what-you-can for all families. Together, we will continue to give kids engaging, playful, and hands-on learning opportunities that will last a lifetime. Together, we can make history, the lake, and the Museum accessible to all. Together, we will continue to build a strong community committed to Lake Champlain and each other!
