Eastside Audubon Sponsors Low-income Campers

For the second year, Eastside Audubon awarded scholarships to low-income middle/junior high school students to attend environmental camps this summer—thanks to the generosity of its members.  Two campers will attend each of the following camps: IslandWood Backpacking Naturalist; Pacific Science Center Ecosystems Camp; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Science Camp; Wilderness Scout Awareness Overnight Camp.

Last year’s campers gave rave reviews about their experiences.  Arielle described her camping experience as “awesome!”  Two students wrote articles for Eastside Audubon’s newsletter, the Corvid Crier.  Bricelda noted, “You gave us kids the opportunity to experience activities that we never imagined ourselves doing.”  And Melissa shared an important lesson: “We learned many skills that are not easily found in today’s modern world. We learned to slow down and take a seat if you really want to enjoy the beauty nature has to offer…to let the wilderness come to us.” 

Parents of the scholarship campers attended a meeting at Eastside Audubon on June 1 to learn about our organization, to get information about the camps their children will attend and to socialize with the other campers and their families.  To be eligible for the scholarship, students need to be from the areas Eastside Audubon serves, namely Bothell, Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland and Bellevue.