Why Give?
Because the five primary drivers of expenses (insurance, taxes, food, supplies, and staff) are increasing from external pressure beyond our control and faster than we want to increase tuition.
Financial Aid
The Alohas strive to serve a broad spectrum of youth and families. We share this commitment with our donor community.
The majority of endowment revenue and the Annual Fund is allocated to financial aid so our camps and programs remain accessible and diverse. Financial aid (or “campership”) supports three primary constituencies.
- Families with low to moderate incomes so their children can attend one of our four summer camp programs (Aloha, Hive, Lanakila and Horizons).
- Public schools with minimal budgets for experiential learning so their students can participate in one of Hulbert’s school programs.
- Active duty military families from Vermont and New Hampshire at Ohana’s National Guard Family Camp.
This year, income from our endowment and Annual Fund have provided over $1.15M in financial aid. As a result we awarded 229 full or partial camperships to children at the summer camps; enabled 1549 students to participate in Hulbert programs who wouldn’t otherwise have that opportunity; and supported 150 family members at Ohana’s National Guard Family Camp.
In addition, since 1983 our talented staff and beautiful, resourced campuses have hosted 50 children for Dartmouth-Hitchcock’s Juvenile Diabetes Camp at the end of August.
Supporting Staff
Philanthropy also supports our ambitious staff model. There is a reason our 2:1 camper to counselor ratio is unique; it’s costly! However, we believe it’s foundational to the communities we seek to create within our programs. The close interpersonal relationships it affords create a nurturing environment that means no one slips through the cracks. Beyond the ratio, though, our counselors are trained in Aloha’s principles of human development. The framework’s tools guide staff in ways to mentor campers to shape perceptions into choices and choices into outcomes. This process can lead to profound personal growth that makes for a richer experience, for campers and counselors.
Environmental Benefits
The values and commitment of the Foundation benefit the environment, too. In addition to helping conserve and steward over 3,000 acres of local forest, Aloha’s endowment sustains our own 1,300 acres of woodlands, fields, and meadows. Mature trees in these woods sequester roughly 30 million pounds of carbon dioxide and emit 550,000 pounds of oxygen every year. That’s the amount required to offset emissions from about 2,700 cars.* Our streams, lakes, and drinking water are cleaner. And wildlife flourishes.
*According to EPS calculations based on average car emissions in 2007.
Donate to the Alohas today!
Every gift makes a difference. Your donation of any size is welcomed and appreciated.