Article
Greetings Alumni and Welcome Camp Families!
A new summer is upon us, and with it comes that unmistakable sense of anticipation that builds as opening day approaches. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for camp, packing your own bags to join us for a week at Ohana, or a camp alumnus whose thoughts are drifting towards memories of summers past, I’m delighted to welcome you into our community for another remarkable season at the Alohas.
In these final days before the first campers arrive at Aloha, Hive, Horizons, Lanakila, and Ohana, our campuses are alive with motion and meaning. From the outside, it may look like a last-minute whirlwind—but the truth is we have been hard at work all year. As we step into the spotlight of a new camp season, it feels a bit like opening night at the theater: the stage is set, the players know their lines, and behind the scenes, our dedicated crew is working with determination and focus. This production is one of heart and spontaneity, where laughter, growth, and discovery are co-written each day by the children and families who join us.
And though some of you, our alumni and camper parents, may not be up on the stage, your role in this story is vital. Your belief in what we do, and your place in this community—whether newly joined or deeply rooted—help bring our mission to life. It’s all here in the 2024 Impact Report.
Now, here’s a quick pull-back of the curtain and some updates from around the foundation.
Many Happy Returners!
After a renewed focus on enrollment and retention in the months since camp ‘24, we are pleased to report that enrollment is strong across all programs—with especially high numbers of returning campers.
At Aloha, more campers are choosing full-session enrollment than ever before. This shift reflects not only the strength of our full-session programming, but the value families are finding in it. We’ve also focused our efforts on strengthening the bridge between Hive and Aloha. Thanks to a coordinated approach from our Hive and Aloha Directors (Ellie & Char!), last summer’s oldest Hive campers had ample opportunities to spend time at Aloha—getting to know the space, the community, and the culture. When the time came to enroll, we hoped the transition would feel more natural, familiar, and the next chapter more purely exciting. This summer, the number of Hive grads enrolling at Aloha and the number of returning Aloha campers are up almost 6% over their three-year averages—and both have risen more than 10% since 2022.
We also see more younger campers at Hive and Lanakila than we’ve seen in recent years—a trend we’re especially proud of, because it represents years of outreach and relationship-building with new families. Starting the camp journey early can open the door to many summers of growth, confidence, and connection, and we’re grateful so many campers choose to begin their journeys with the Alohas.
A Fortnight Just Feels Right
Hive’s two-week session, first piloted last year, returns this summer with even more campers participating. Designed for our youngest units, this format gives first-time campers a meaningful introduction to the world of overnight camp—one filled with community, creativity, and confidence-building experiences. Families have told us how valuable this option is in easing into something new, and we’ve seen firsthand how it works: campers feel the magic and often leave ready for more.
Aloha will also launch its first two-week session this summer, welcoming new campers who may be older but are stepping into camp for the first time. We understand that not all children have had the chance to be away from home, and we’re excited to offer a supportive, welcoming space where they can try something new, stretch a little, and discover what they’re capable of—on their own terms.
These shorter sessions aren’t a scaled-back version of camp—they’re a different doorway in. And with each option we offer, our goal remains the same: to provide a nurturing, enriching experience that meets children where they are and helps them grow from there.
Behind the Scenes with B&G
If you’ve ever strolled through one of our campuses and admired a freshly cut field, a perfectly preserved waterfront, or a conveniently located jinx, you’ve benefited from the tireless work of our Buildings and Grounds team (B&G, to us). This dedicated crew is the quiet force that keeps our Vermont sanctuary not only beautiful, but functional, sustainable, and enduring.
Year-round, B&G designs and construct new buildings and additions, maintains trails and roads, manage water systems, and spearheads environmental sustainability projects across all five of our campuses. Their work ensures that our camps remain safe, welcoming, and ready for generations of campers to come.
This spring, they rebuilt porches, renovated camp offices, refreshed and replumbed the Lolander Jinx, and displayed incredible craftsmanship with the completion of a brand-new performance space at Hive. This beautiful stage area isn’t just functional for the Hive show, it will serve as daily inspiration for connection, creativity, laughter, and even on occasion for opening analogies in foundation newsletters. 😉
Warm regards,
Vanessa Riegler
Executive Director
The Aloha Foundation
Check out the links below for more behind the scenes topics that stoke our campfires!
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
Article
