Dear friends,
As I write to you at the close of 2024, I'm filled with gratitude for the incredible year we've shared together. Our community has demonstrated remarkable resilience and achieved significant milestones, thanks in large part to the leadership of our outgoing Executive Director, Frances McLaughlin. We are so grateful for Frances’ work here at Farm & Wilderness, and we will continue our good work into our next camp season. I'm proud to serve as your Interim Executive Director, inspired by our impact and the community's support of our mission.
This summer, we witnessed the powerful impact of our Affordable for All initiative, providing $930,000 in campership support to 243 campers. Over 70% of these funds went to families with household incomes less than $75,000, including 22 campers from families earning less than $25,000 annually. This expansion of accessibility has transformed our camp community, with 40% of all F&W campers now supported through this program.
Our first-ever Impact Report, "Decoding the Magic of Camp," validated what many of us have long known: F&W creates lasting, meaningful change in young people's lives. The research revealed that 71-87% of campers saw skill development as key to their experience, while 86% noted the importance of community development. In an era where young people face increasing challenges with mental health and social disconnection, our device-free, community-minded approach provides a powerful antidote.
Fair returned this year with renewed energy and purpose, showcasing the best of our community. From spontaneous singing on the hill to campers demonstrating their skills in everything from animal care to fire-building, the day exemplified our commitment to joyful play and purposeful work. It was particularly heartening to see our local community engage with us in new ways, strengthening our connections within Vermont.
Looking ahead, we have exciting opportunities to come together. Our Get Outside All Together (GOAT) hikes continue to bring the F&W community together across the country, and our conservation work through FWC offers chances to engage with our land in meaningful ways. These gatherings remind us that F&W's impact extends far beyond our summer season.
As we approach the end of the year, I invite you to consider how you might deepen your connection with F&W. Whether through re-enrolling for Summer 2025, joining us for local events, or supporting our end-of-year campaign, your engagement ensures that we can continue to provide transformative experiences for generations to come.
The magic of F&W has always been in our ability to create space for young people to discover themselves, build community, and connect with nature. As I look at what we've accomplished this year, I'm confident that we're not just maintaining this tradition – we're strengthening it for the future. Summer 2025 is going to be incredible, and we are focusing on perfecting what we do best—providing fun, safe, enriching programs at the camps we have known and loved for generations.
A few ways you can get involved:
- Sign up for a GOAT hike in a city near you on Nov. 30! Plug in with the F&W community, wherever you are, and get outside with us for a walk in nature.
- If you have friends and neighbors who need a new camp home, please share our mission with them. We are always widening our circle! YOU are our best recruiters! Please help us thrive by filling every bunk for Summer 2025.
- Donate to support the mission of Farm & Wilderness, and to help us make transformative camp experiences truly Affordable For All.
Your ongoing support makes all of this possible. Thank you for being part of this remarkable community. I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming year as we continue to kindle the spirit within through joyful play, purposeful work, and rugged outdoor living.
Warmly,
Jay Kullman
Interim Executive Director
