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!"