Local nonprofit Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust recently celebrated its largest Summer Camp and Academy season with record enrollment. Flanders was pleased to provide the highest amount of camp scholarships or “camperships” to date with 40 children able to attend camps and Academies at no cost.
Due to the generosity of Connecticut Community Foundation, Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut, SMPS Family Fund, and private donors, Flanders was able to provide unforgettable summer experiences to children who would otherwise be unable to do so. Flanders again partnered with Waterbury non-profit, Save Girls on F.Y.E.R. to provide camperships to 23 students from Waterbury.
As part of Flanders’ ongoing efforts to increase environmental access for all, Flanders’ provided young learners from 6 towns and the city of Waterbury the opportunity to learn and engage with nature in a fun and memorable way. From learning about local agriculture and farming to gaining first-hand knowledge of potential career paths in STEM, campers were immersed in Flanders’ fully accredited camps and Academies.
Flanders’ Executive Director, Vincent D. LaFontan, MHA expressed that “the average campership reward allowed a child to spend two weeks at Flanders. This joyful, healthy experience--being submerged in nature on the Flanders Van Vleck Farm and Nature Sanctuary, creates wonderful lifetime memories. Flanders is forever grateful to the foundations and donors who created this opportunity”
Environmental Educator and Camp Administrator Amber McDonald says the young participants and their families expressed deep appreciation for the summer experiences and for the impact the programming had. One parent shared at the conclusion of camp,
“Thank you for another wonderful year of camps for the kids. They had a great time! We really appreciate the financial aid you provide for them to attend the camp. It sounds cliche but is true that the memories they make are priceless. Have a wonderful year!”
For more information on how you can grant the gift of an educational and fun summer to a deserving child, contact Flanders’ Director of Development, Jennifer Callery-Stokes at 203-263-3711 ext. 15 or jennifer@flandersnaturecenter.org.