An Open Letter to Dahlem’s Friends, Supporters, Donors, Members, Sponsors, Visitors, and Parents

July 4, 2020 Update

Dahlem’s Outdoor Adventure Summer Day Camp Session #1 opened on June 29th for three and four year old campers. The kids have had a great time as the pictures show.

Dahlem’s Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp kicked off on June 29th with ten campers ages 3-4. Due to COVID-19, Camp has been reduced from nine sessions to seven sessions and the number of campers reduced from 300 to 127. The reductions have resulted in a big financial hit to the bottom line, but were done to insure the safety and health of all our campers and staff. Safety is our # 1 Job! We have put in place procedures and practices that follow all the guidelines recommended by the CDC and LARA for summer camps.

Besides safety we have committed to giving our campers a wonderful fun filled learning experience in the outdoors. The camp staff and I have heard from parents that after being cooped up inside for three months, our outdoor camp is a welcome relief for them and their kids.

Jackson YMCA
This summer marks the fifth anniversary partnering with the Jackson YMCA. The Y has been bringing out their campers on their Blue Buses to walk our trails and learn nature lessons from our Naturalist Educator Carrie Benham since 2016. This has been a wonderful relationship that I hope continues for years. Thank you to Shawna Tello and her staff at the Y for continuing this tradition.

Thank You to our Wonderful Donors and Benefactors:
We have been blessed since the COVID-19 outbreak with generous donations, grants, and sponsorships that have enabled us to maintain operations and start summer camp during these difficult financial times. Thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. Heartfelt thanks to the following:

Betty Dahlem Desbiens who just celebrated her 100th birthday on June 20th
Bob and Jane Grover $2,500
Jackson Community Foundation $3,000 grant to support “Operating Expenses During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Thomas Davey
Charles and Pamela Falahee
Brooke Livingston
Aimee Stout
Bruce Harshe
Sue Macrellis
Phil and Pat Willis Foundation $3,000 grant for operations due to COVID-19
Speckhard- Knight Charitable Foundation $5,000 grant for operations due to COVID-19
John and Susan Gruel
John Lane
Andy Walz – $3,000 Sponsor 2020 Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp
John Bacon
Josephine Bacon
Maureen Knight
Jim and Pam Rossman
Justin Phelps
Dennis and Marcia Whitehead
Emmons Service – Sponsor Rock the Dahlem
Diversified Precision Products – Sponsor Rock the Dahlem
Walton Agency – Sponsor Rock the Dahlem
Network for Good – Facebook anonymous donations

Final Note on this July 4th Weekend.  Happy 244th Birthday the United States of America!  As our nation celebrates its birthday, I want to wish everyone a very Happy and Healthy July 4th Holiday. It has been a very difficult first half of the year for the country but we are a nation of strong and resilient people who will get through this. Dahlem will survive with your help and support. I look forward to the second half of the year with its challenges and opportunities.

Thank you for your support of Jackson’s Nature Place

Sincerely,
Ben Dandrow
Executive Director
Dahlem Conservancy

As a 501(c)3 Dahlem completely relies on the generosity of donors, members, and grants to keep our programs running. Please make Dahlem part of your legacy by remembering us in your year end donations and during estate planning. Click for more information and Thank you!

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SUMMER DAY CAMP

Register your camper NOW for one or more exciting sessions this summer.

Thank you!  We look forward to a fantastic summer experience!