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.”