Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Taproots At Camp Walden
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 5607 S. River Road
City: Cheboygan
State: MI
Postal Code: 49721
Main Phone: 248-225-1256
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.taprootswalden.org
Employer ID Number: 84-4931357
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 21, 2023
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Taproots at Camp Walden – Two New Programs
Project Description:

Taproots at Camp Walden is the non-profit affiliate of Camp Walden in Cheboygan, MI. The purpose of Taproots is to provide programming and tuition awards that help bring children of color and children from low-income households in Michigan to camp. At Taproots, we believe the powerful experience of summer camp is something every child deserves – regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. But in the U.S., summer camp is an opportunity largely reserved for children from well-off families. Nationwide, nearly 80% of children attending summer camp are from middle- or upper-income families. Children of color and children from low-income families are greatly underrepresented at summer camps. Taproots works to remove barriers and create access to summer camp.

Attending summer camp has a positive effect on youth development. Studies show that children demonstrate positive gains in the areas of self-esteem, independence, leadership, social skills, physical and thinking skills, and positive values after attending as little as one week of sleep-away summer camp. Research further shows that those gains are largely maintained when a child returns home. Children recognize that they learned something new or improved their skills. Parents notice their children are more confident and have better self-esteem after attending camp.

We are seeking funding for two new programs we’re offering this summer:
(1) The Walden Way Program creates opportunities for campers who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) to attend Camp Walden for two- or four-week sessions by helping cover part or all of the cost of camp tuition.
(2) The TapSS Graduates Program creates opportunities for kids from low-income households to attend Camp Walden for two- or four-week sessions by covering all of the cost of camp tuition. Campers attending
through this program will have previously “tried-out” camp through the four day TapSS Program.

Total Project Budget: 38,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individual Gifts, Family Foundation, Corprorate Sponsors

Project Duration: Summer 2023
Geographical Area Served: Michigan
Age Group To Be Served: 7-13

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Jennifer
Contact Last Name: Hartzog
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 205-422-4174
Contact Email: hello@taprootswalden.org