Last summer we were not able to run our traditional summer camp model due to the challenges presented by COVID-19. Three months into a pandemic that was keeping families quarantined at home, and on the heels of a community tragedy and subsequent uprising that weighed heavily on us, we were able to turn those challenges into opportunities. We opened camp up as a respite to East Side families and community organizers. We were able to offer six weekends of free nature-based respite programming and support, serving approximately 75 people. We learned how valuable this time was for families--a respite in nature, an opportunity to calm the soul, a renewal of peacefulness in the heart.

Here are some comments from our participants:

Our experience this summer and the feedback from our community inspired us to think about what has made Camp Bovey unique and successful and how we can transform the future in keeping with the camps mission: to provide fun and encouraging outdoor experiences that ignite curiosity, create connections, and grow confidence.

Sadly, we have run into challenges as we prepared for this year. Beyond the ongoing presence of COVID-19, Camp Bovey has numerous maintenance issues which complicate our efforts to imagine the future. A failing septic system, bathhouse plumbing in desperate need of an update, aging kitchen appliances, and more would need to be addressed to run camp for families, and that's before adjusting the spaces to accommodate different sized groups and the needs of different program models, social distancing, and more.

But our community of Hodaggers never ceases to amaze. A group of community leaders has come together to ensure that the future of Camp Bovey is as bright as the amazing 70 years in the past, setting a goal to raise $250,000 this year to set Bovey on the path to restoration. Tom and Sandra Glodek, Art and Caroline Scheaffer Arnold, Tom Scheaffer, Mike Vennewitz, Barbara Koch, the Fridley Lions Club, and more have already come together to pledge the first $140,000.

Hear from Tom Scheaffer directly here:

Our ask to you is to join our Restoration Committee leaders by investing in the future of Camp Bovey. We know that many families simply don't have the opportunity to provide a carefree experience in the outdoors, where curiosity is stimulated and the everyday challenges of life can be set aside. Your support will offer that opportunity to hundreds of families over the future of Camp Bovey. Especially now, when access to carefree outdoor experiences is more important than ever, make a gift to ensure the joys of the outdoors are available to the next generation of Hodaggers and their families.