Highlights of 2023
As we bid farewell to 2023, it's time to celebrate the incredible milestones and meaningful partnerships that have defined this year for us at EverWild Forest School. It has been a year of growth, compassion, and impactful initiatives that have touched the lives of many. Let's take a moment to revisit the highlights that made 2023 truly special.
Empowering Youth with Type 1 Diabetes
In collaboration with Hodia, we embarked on an inspiring journey to empower young individuals with type 1 diabetes in the great outdoors. Together, we organized an unforgettable outdoor camp that not only fostered a sense of adventure but also provided a supportive environment for these children to thrive. The smiles, laughter, and newfound friendships formed during this camp will forever remain etched in our hearts.
Day Camps for Refugee Children in Partnership with IRC
Teaming up with the International Rescue Committee, we've expanded our commitment to fostering a positive impact by hosting several day camps specifically designed for refugee children. These youth have recently resettled in the United States and are currently living in a hotel where they're constrained from expressing their natural exuberance. These day camps were marked by joy and shared experiences, and we're enthusiastic about expanding this initiative in the coming year. Our objective is to create a secure and inclusive environment, allowing these children to partake in play, education, and the creation of lasting memories in their new outdoor settings.
A Dedicated Team
Behind every successful initiative is a dedicated team of individuals committed to making a difference. In 2023, we expanded our team to include 25 passionate educators, welcomed 4 interns eager to learn and contribute, and maintained a core group of 6 Leadership Team members. Their dedication and hard work have been the driving force behind the success of our programs.
Empowering Minds
Education is at the heart of our mission, and this year, we proudly welcomed 161 students into our early learning and homeschool enrichment classes, totaling 11 classes. Providing a nurturing environment for young minds to flourish, our programs focus on holistic development, creativity, and a love for learning.
Record-Breaking Summer
Summer 2023 was marked by 11 weeks of outdoor adventure and exploration. Our summer camps offered a perfect blend of fun, education, and nature, allowing participants to connect with the great outdoors and create lasting memories with fellow campers.
Our First Fall and Winter Break Camps
Expanding upon the achievements of our summer camps, we proudly launched our inaugural fall and winter break camps. These exciting additions have enabled us to broaden our impact, delivering captivating outdoor activities for young people in our community throughout school breaks. We are excited to announce the continuation of our school break camps, now extending to spring break as well.
National Outdoor Learning Alliance Launched
Our committed Leadership Team played a key role in the establishment of the National Outdoor Learning Alliance (NOLA), our new umbrella organization. EverWild Forest School has transitioned to become an initiative within NOLA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity. NOLA is dedicated to advancing a comprehensive mission of enhancing outdoor learning opportunities. This central organization plays a pivotal role by offering essential resources, funding, and support to diverse programs and initiatives, including EverWild Forest School, all striving to expand access to outdoor learning for youth nationwide.
As we look back on the achievements and milestones of 2023, we express our gratitude to our partners, supporters, and the incredible individuals who make up the EverWild community. Together, we have made a positive impact on the lives of many, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunities and challenges that the coming year will bring. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and here's to another year of growth, compassion, and making a difference!
