Community partnership awards over a thousand days of summer camp to kids

JACKSON, Wyo. — Working together to address summer childcare needs and activities, One22 Resource Center and The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole worked with organizations throughout Teton County to assist families in affording summer programs.

Initial concern regarding reduced capacity due to COVID-19 was overcome as One22 Resource Center worked with community partners to provide 90 children with 1,000 summer camp days this year. Teton Science Schools stepped up by offering to take more than 20% of those 90 spots right before summer camps began.

“Enrolling children in summer camps and programs is essential to their wellbeing, parents’ ability to work, and the overall community,” said Sharel Lund, One22 Resource Center executive director. “Summer programs are crucial to children and families as it provides them with leadership and educational opportunities, structured activities, nutritious food opportunities and a connection to nature. We are beyond thankful to the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole and the 16 participating programs who have dug deep to reach families in need in our community this summer.”

Hole Food Rescue’s Sprout program will be preparing and delivering lunches for each child for every day of camp. One22 Resource Center staff, board and clients will be helping prepare lunches on Mondays throughout the summer.

The collective summer camp program administered by One22 Resource Center relies on a sliding need-based scale in which families pay a portion of the cost of camp, the summer camp provider reduces the standard fee, and a grant from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole funds the balance which is typically a third of the cost.

“We work closely with One22 Resource Center throughout the planning stages and we know the importance of giving more this year as families regain financial footing and kids, now more than ever, need the rich offerings of our area programs,” said Laurie Andrews, president of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.

“We are thrilled to support children and families in our community by providing healthy lunches for summer camp attendees,” says Hole Food Rescue Executive Director Ali Milburn. “By delivering food, we hope to foster healthy living and nurture their exploration of play, nature and creativity.”