Dear Friends of the Woods,
Have you ever stood on the big green field and looked west towards the ridge of trees? There are a multitude of colors and layers that interweave, creating an ever-changing tapestry that can never be replicated. As the winds blow and the trees sway, our resident ravens fly by speaking to one another while they ride out the wind currents. The creek moving behind you, the crickets chirping, and the birds singing create one of the most beautiful and memorable soundtracks you will ever hear. The smells of the redwood forest fill your nasal passages as you breathe deeply and take it all in.
As you know, Westminster Woods is a place of connection, relationships, and growth. It is a place where children of all ages come to experience the life-changing gifts of school programs, summer camp or a trip with their church or group. Have you heard the laughter (or screams) of an eleven-year-old or an 80-year-old after they have left the upper platform of the zipline? Have you read one of the rocks painted by a summer camper reminding you that you are never alone? Have you eaten one of the amazing meals prepared by kitchen staff? Have you heard the joyful singing on a Sunday morning echoing down the challenge course canyon? Have you walked the labyrinth or one of our many hiking paths? Have you experienced one of the amazing stream ecology classes with your school? What did you discover? What did you wonder? What did you feel? Close your eyes and imagine one of your life-changing experiences at Westminster Woods.
As you might already know, we have not been able to host schools or guest groups since March, and our summer camp program was cancelled due to Covid-19. We have always relied on these programs to support the financial health and mission of the Woods.
We are uncertain of what the future will bring, but we are working diligently to welcome you, your schools, and your groups back to the Woods. Our team continues to create innovative solutions to keep our community connected. The Ministries team is working on videos and activities for a free virtual summer camp. Our Teacher Naturalists have created nature activities and resources which are designed to limit screen time and help children to engage outside. Our Guest Services team is about to announce new opportunities for groups to visit this summer and fall.
However, we can’t do all of this without the support and generous donations of our community. We have already received over $52,000 in donations, bringing us closer to our goal of raising $175,000 by the end of the summer.
We hope that you will consider a one-time gift or commit to a monthly donation to help Westminster Woods continue to fulfill our mission and prepare to host groups in the future. Will you help us reach our goal today?
Until we meet again across the bridge,
Kori Donley, School Programs Director, kori@westminsterwoods.org
Aimee Studer, Co-Director of Ministries, aimee@westminsterwoods.org