WOW! What a summer!  

Willow-Witt Ranch was filled with 6- to 11-year-old nature day campers eating watermelon, running, collecting eggs, creating artworks, exploring Tree Island, tasting organic vegetables to take home, tiptoeing up to see the western pond turtles, and squealing with delight as the sprinklers came on during the hot days! Help us prepare for another successful year at The Crest. 

The Crest’s Nature Summer Day Camp welcomed over 200 students in 9 weeks this summer. More than half the students were able to attend camp due to our generous scholarship fund.

We provided over $50,000 in full or partial scholarships to families whose students would not have been able to go to summer camp. Your generous contributions to our Spring Appeal brought in $6,250, and we received a Community Summer Grant. Thank you!

On the state level, The Oregon State Legislature committed $50 million for summer learning programs provided to community-based organizations through grants administered by the Oregon Association of Education Service Districts (OAESD). Help make this happen every year by urging legislators to fund the Community Summer Grants yearly.  

The grants prioritized those students experiencing disabilities and other student communities who have been historically underserved. Grant recipients were encouraged to use these funds to reduce or remove barriers to participation. The Crest used grant funds to bus campers from the Expo, through the valley, up to Willow-Witt Ranch and other destinations in the Cascade Siskiyou-National Monument, and for scholarships.

The mission of The Crest is to cultivate the integral connection between people and nature. Studies show that students who build early relationships with the outdoors, fostering a sense of place, grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Help us accomplish this mission through sustained support. Learn more about The Crest programs and mission.

Thank you again for supporting The Crest programming! We look forward to serving more campers next summer!