Invest In The Next Generation
When I was 14, with the support of my parents and a boost of financial aid, I set off on my first backpacking trip. Little did I know the influence that experience would have on my life’s trajectory. There were many challenges - blisters, heavy packs, acclimating to a new community and new way of doing things. It was hard, to say the least. And then, I found my rhythm- blisters healed, I grew stronger (physically and mentally), and became closer with my group members - learning new hard and soft skills along the way.
When I reflect back on that trip, the most profound memory is my leader Monica. She encouraged me from start to finish believing that I could, and would, in fact, hike all the miles. Monica made me feel safe and empowered, even when things got tough or I felt like giving up. In doing so, she embedded a deeper appreciation for the outdoors in my life.
Monica is what Liz Wisemen would call an Impact Player. Someone who makes a significant contribution individually but who also has an enormously positive effect on the entire team.
That backpacking trip, meeting Monica, and, ultimately my career happened in part because of the generosity of donors like you. I am deeply grateful.
When I think about Monica and Impact Players, I can’t help but think of the GRP staff. Our goal is to hire, train, and cultivate staff who will have a positive contribution to individuals and the team. I would imagine if you are reading this letter, you might even recall a GRP Impact Player from your time spent here.
These individuals, whether they know it or not, have a profound effect on our lives and help shape the people we become. The mission of Green River Preserve is to raise the next generation of environmental stewards through a joyful connection to nature. We help fulfill our mission each year by hiring individuals who can facilitate and deliver on our mission.
We strongly believe that all children benefit from time spent in nature, disconnected from technology, and connected to peers regardless of their resources or lack thereof. We know that you believe this, too, as evidenced by your support of GRP through enrolling your own children and grandchildren, and both in-kind and monetary donations.
Over the years, we have been slowly increasing both our financial aid resources and our access points to programming. This year, the demand for financial aid has been greater than ever. We distributed scholarship funding in late January. However, we continue to receive applications from families seeking aid; and, as long as we have the space, we want to get these kids to camp at GRP this summer!
This is where YOU come in.Our board has recently approved another $25,000 for our scholarship fund! This is in addition to the approximately $90,000.00 we have already gifted to campers this summer. This is half of what has been requested by members of our community for 2022. We need your help! $55,000 is what we need to totally off-set our scholarship demands for the remainder of the camp season. Please consider donating today. How amazing would it be if our community could match us and go above and beyond to make up the difference of $30,000.
Thank you for your support. As always….
Seek the Joy!
