Funded Projects2021 Funded Project: Keewaydin Foundation

Camping and Education That Benefit Children

Based in Vermont, the Keewaydin Foundation provides camping experiences and challenges that help children achieve significant personal growth by living in a community, being independent, and living simply in rustic and natural settings. One of the available camps, the Keewaydin Temagami camp for boys and girls, was founded in 1893 and is the oldest wilderness canoe-tripping camp in the country. In addition to three summer camps, the Keewaydin Foundation operates an environmental education center in the spring and fall, which welcomes Vermont middle school groups.

Creating Opportunities for Children To Experience Nature

In honor of Chris’ love for the outdoors and people, the Chris Mikesell Foundation assists organizations like the Keewaydin Foundation that create opportunities for young people to experience nature. Through the husband of Chris’ sister, Laura, the Chris Mikesell Foundation became aware of the Keewaydin Foundation and provided a $1,000 grant in 2021. The grant was utilized in part to cover program, equipment, and maintenance expenses.

Funding Scholarships for More Children To Participate

In addition to funding expenses related to programs, equipment, and maintenance, the grant from the Chris Mikesell Foundation helped to fund scholarships, offering the same experiences to children who otherwise would not be able to afford them. Such experiences provide unique opportunities for all children to develop self-confidence, character, and leadership while living simply in beautiful wilderness settings. It is noted that time spent in natural settings, learning to work cooperatively in a group, and the personal growth that comes from facing the challenges of wilderness hiking and canoeing are valuable to all children, regardless of background.

To see a comprehensive history of organizations and causes the Chris Mikesell Foundation has supported, view all Funded Projects.