WHICH CAMP IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

When Farm & Wilderness (F&W) launched its Affordable for All initiative in 2022, the goal was ambitious but clear: make the transformative summer camp experience truly accessible to families across all socioeconomic backgrounds. Two years later, the results have exceeded expectations, dramatically reshaping the camp community and opening doors for families who never imagined sending their children to summer camp in Vermont. 

"I love Farm & Wilderness. I am so moved by the efforts at affordability, having been a recipient of significant scholarships myself, which made camp possible for me, and without which I would not be the same person!" shares one camp alum who is now a parent and annual donor. 

The numbers tell a compelling story of impact. In 2024, F&W provided $930,000 in campership support to 243 campers, with over 70% of campership dollars going to families with household incomes less than $75,000. Most notably, the program supported 22 campers from families earning less than $25,000 annually – a demographic F&W had rarely reached before. 

The initiative goes beyond traditional financial aid by providing a transparent, income-based tuition model and addressing additional barriers to camp participation. Families with total net income of $50,000 or less are eligible for up to full tuition coverage, while those between $50,000-$100,000 can receive up to 70% coverage. The program also helps cover essential expenses like transportation and gear, ensuring full participation in the camp experience. 

"Our students are coming back happy, motivated, and confident," reports Danielle, Education Services Coordinator of UVM Migrant Education Program. "We had a student who had a positive emotional breakthrough at camp. He made amazing social and emotional connections with friends, staff, and nature. He came back a renewed kiddo. He told me that he will never forget this place and wants to become a counselor here someday." 

The impact extends beyond individual campers. Today, 40% of all F&W campers receive support through Affordable for All, creating a more socioeconomically diverse community that enriches everyone's experience. 

 “One thing that’s really hopeful to me is the spread of folks across all income levels that we serve,” says Sam Green, Director of Admissions. “If we’re getting an even distribution, it feels like we’re meeting families correctly. We’re avoiding the “barbell effect”, which would look like having mostly families who can afford camp without assistance and families who need the most assistance. Instead, we’re able to help everyone who needs it to the extent that they need it, which creates a really beautifully diverse camper population. I also want to note, though, that camp is a cost no matter what. We want to make sure that that cost is doable, plannable, feasible, even though it’s still a choice and a sacrifice on some level for each family.” 

The success of Affordable for All validates F&W's founding principles. As stated in the organization's original by-laws, its purpose includes providing "these educational facilities and teachings to as many young persons as possible who cannot themselves afford to pay the full cost thereof." The goal is to ensure transparency in the campership process. The income table on our website shows families what they can expect to be awarded based on their household income. Rolling disbursements ensure that families can register without worry, knowing they won’t have to wait until spring to know if the cost of camp is actually within reach for them.  

The initiative's rapid success has also revealed an even greater need. As F&W attracts more families from lower income brackets, the demand for financial support continues to grow. The organization is committed to meeting this challenge, working to raise necessary funds to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity to experience the magic of camp due to financial constraints. 

"When my child returned from camp, I noticed an increase in connectedness to self and others, and - as always - an increased sense of empowerment and self-determination," shares another parent, highlighting the transformative impact that becomes possible when financial barriers are removed. 

Through Affordable for All, Farm & Wilderness is not just providing summer camp experiences – it's creating a model for how organizations can meaningfully address economic barriers and build truly inclusive communities. As the program continues to grow, it stands as a powerful testament to what becomes possible when an organization fully commits to making its mission accessible to all. 

“End of year donations matter supremely,” Sam Green adds. “We can get better predictability when folks who are able show up with monthly gifts or recurring pledges. We only get to do this because of the generosity of our donors. This is how we reduce this very real and obvious barrier to participation. It really does mean the world that donors share these resources to us, which we transform into opportunities for more children to experience our programming.” 

As Farm & Wilderness looks ahead to 2025, parent feedback from the 2024 summer season reveals the profound and multifaceted impact our programs have on campers. Through hundreds of survey responses, clear themes emerged around personal growth, community connection, and the vital importance of unplugged outdoor experiences in today's world. 

Building Independence and Self-Confidence 

Parents consistently noted significant growth in their children's independence and self-assurance after their time at F&W. One parent observed,

"When my child returned from camp I noticed an increase in connectedness to self and others, and - as always - an increased sense of empowerment and self-determination."

Another shared, "He comes back happy, calm, more patient and flexible, and proud of the things he's accomplished and the relationships he's made."  

The development of practical skills alongside personal growth was frequently highlighted.

As one parent noted, "At BDC my child learned new skills and also the safety practices needed for them, which lets me do more challenging activities with my child with good practices of safety." 

Creating Authentic Community 

The F&W environment provides a unique space for young people to develop genuine connections and experience true community.

A parent reflected, "Making space for real life interactions and a love for nature and the outdoors. Opens minds to focus on people and relationships in a way that is so much more human than our tech enabled day to day." 

 For many families, the impact extends well beyond the summer.

One parent shared, "F&W is our home. All the best people are there. The shared values are so special and make for such a fun loving and safe place." Another noted their child "finally found their people" at camp. 

Fostering Environmental Connection 

The immersive outdoor setting of F&W creates lasting connections to nature. Parents appreciated how the experience helped their children develop comfort and competence in outdoor settings.

One parent observed their child "cannot wait to go backpacking again. Camp serves as a moment for him to be lightened from the load of parent/school/life structure and he has shown he has the tools to function outside of this construct." 

Supporting Diverse Needs 

Parents particularly valued F&W's ability to meet children where they are.

As one parent of a neurodiverse child shared, "My neurodivergent child gets to participate in community. It makes a difference all year to them--other camps they've felt excluded and betrayed by. This matters so much to me." 

The Affordable for All program received significant praise for making the F&W experience accessible to more families.

As one parent expressed, "Sending my child to this camp was a dream I didn't think I could make happen. Thanks to your amazing campership I was able to send her to what I've always hoped she could experience." 

As we look toward 2025, these parent perspectives affirm the enduring value of F&W's mission while highlighting opportunities to further strengthen our impact.

In the words of one parent:

"F&W creates community & connection with nature in such awesome ways. I'm so grateful my kiddo is an F&W kid!" 

Connect with Nature and Community at Farm & Wilderness' Fall GOAT Hike! 

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, Farm & Wilderness invites you to join us for our fall Get Outside All Together (GOAT) Hike on Saturday, November 30th. This nationwide event brings the F&W community together for a day of exploration, connection, and celebration of the natural world that is so central to the F&W experience. 

What are G.O.A.T Hikes?

G.O.A.T Hikes are a way for the F&W community to come together locally, wherever they may be. These events embody the spirit of F&W's commitment to joyful play, purposeful work, and rugged outdoor living. They offer a chance to unplug, explore nature, and forge meaningful connections with others who share the F&W values. 

Each hike is led by a volunteer host and typically lasts about an hour, often followed by a bring-your-own picnic lunch. The hikes are designed to be accessible for various ages and abilities, making them perfect for families, alumni, and friends of F&W. 

How Can You Get Involved? 

Participate in a Hike:  

We have hikes planned in multiple locations across the country. From the trails of Prospect Park in Brooklyn to the scenic paths of Mt. Tabor in Portland, Oregon, there's likely a hike happening near you. Visit our website to find the location closest to you and RSVP.  

Host a Hike:  

If there isn't a hike planned in your area, consider hosting one! It's a great way to bring a bit of F&W magic to your local community. We provide hosts with guidelines, safety information, and even some F&W swag to share with participants. Sign up on our website to become a host. 

What to Expect on November 30th 

On the day of the hike, you'll gather with other F&W community members at the designated meeting spot. Your hike leader will start things off with a classic F&W circle-up, setting the tone for a day of community and connection. 

As you walk, you'll have the chance to chat with other hikers, share F&W memories, and create new ones. Many of our hike leaders incorporate educational elements, sharing interesting facts about local flora and fauna or discussing conservation efforts in the area. 

In true F&W fashion, we encourage an "unplugged" experience during the hike. This allows everyone to fully engage with their surroundings and each other, fostering the kind of genuine connections that are at the heart of the F&W experience. 

Why Join a GOAT Hike? 

GOAT Hikes offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with the F&W community and values, even if you're far from the green mountains of Vermont. They're a chance to: 

• Meet other F&W alumni, families, and friends in your area 

• Spend time in nature, something we know is vital for well-being 

• Share the F&W experience with friends or family who might be curious about camp 

• Recharge and center yourself as the busy holiday season approaches 

Plus, it's just plain fun! As one participant from our spring hike shared, "It felt like a little piece of camp magic right in our own backyard. My kids can't wait for the next one!" 

How to Prepare 

 To make the most of your G.O.A.T Hike experience, we recommend: 

• Wearing comfortable walking shoes 

• Bringing layers (check the weather for your location!) 

• Packing a water bottle 

• Leaving electronic devices behind or turned off 

• Bringing an open mind and a spirit of adventure 

Join Us on November 30th! 

 Whether you're a long-time F&W camper, a parent, an alum, or just someone curious about our community, we'd love to see you at a GOAT Hike. It's a wonderful way to carry the spirit of F&W with you throughout the year and to share it with others. 

 Visit our website today to find a hike near you or to sign up as a host. Let's get outside all together and create some F&W magic in our own communities!