Dear WEI Camper, Backpacker, Parent, and Friend:
Sometimes it is difficult to know exactly how to begin when telling someone about a significant change; but as we learn from Nature each summer, change will happen no matter how you describe it. So it is with heavy hearts but knowing minds that we inform you that after seven years of fantastic summer experiences, WEI will close its doors.
This is not a sudden decision; we resolved to do this only after gathering all information, carefully weighing our options, and considerable soul searching.
At the end of each summer, the WEI Board of Directors looks closely at our available financial and organizational resources and compares them to what we must have to continue on to another summer. Despite the fact that we have operated excellent programs every summer with very talented staff, our financial reality has always been one of delicate balance. Unfortunately, this is a common dilemma for small, independent non-profit organizations like WEI.
This past year, many summer camps across the country, including WEI, experienced a delayed reaction to the slow economy in the form of lower registrations. The resulting monetary shortfall, coupled with financial struggles we have experienced since 1997, ultimately led to our decision. WEI is no longer capable of operating our programs at the high level of quality that has been our hallmark and that families like yours have expected during our seven years of operation.
We know that many of you are aware of the accident that occurred in the WEI community this summer. Please know that while the accident affected everyone at WEI, it has played no part in this decision. The accident had no effect on our finances and even had it not occurred, our economic situation - and our decision - would be the same.
The Magic of WEI
We know that all members of the WEI Family . . . youth, parents, staff, friends . . . will react in different ways to our decision, but it is important that you know we understand the feelings involved. We founded WEI because another organization chose to close its programs . . . programs in which we believed.
Seven years of operating WEI has taught us much, and we want you to understand our position and why our decision is the best path. We recognize the collective sense of loss and most importantly, we want you to realize that the “home” we feel when at WEI will remain in all of us for years to come.
First, consider what we all have learned with our WEI experiences.
We know that community can be created in a matter of weeks and sustained over months. We’ve observed staff teaching lessons that empower kids to make personal changes for the betterment of our planet. We’ve felt the spirit around the campfire as we sing together. We have seen the light of wonder in a young person’s eyes as they explore the truly awesome home we call Nature.
We know that empowerment takes root within ourselves and creates life-long change. We have seen Wildlife Campers move to Leadership Training and then become Wildlife Camp staff members. We’ve watched friendships begin at camp and grow to last a lifetime. We’ve heard parents describe the growth they've seen in their children after attending our programs . . . growth that will always be there.
It is our hope that we have inspired our campers over the years to carry this WEI spirit with them wherever they go. As our former Executive Director, Rob Alexander, has always said, “Camp is not where you are . . . it is who you are with.” Each time we share Nature with a friend, help someone in need, and stay true to who we are, WEI comes to life.
Next Steps
So what happens tomorrow and the next day? The first and foremost thought in our mind is for the campers and backpackers who are in the midst of their WEI experience. It is our number one concern that these young people continue to have positive summer experiences so they can continue to develop into the fantastic people that they are.
Therefore, we have gone to great lengths to identify a series of programs across the United States that we feel share the core values and qualities that have made Wildlife Camp, Wilderness Adventure, Leadership Training, and Organic Farm Camp so special for so many years.
Past Wildlife Camp and Wilderness Adventure staff members run some of these programs. Other programs have close ties with WEI in other ways. All are aware of our decision and will go to great lengths to provide for the needs that our youth would have in attending their programs. Please refer to the enclosed flier for more information on these programs.
We also invite you to join us in sharing thoughts and memories of WEI on our website, www.weiprograms.org. Here, you will find an easy-to-use form to submit your words so that we can compile them and everyone can read them. You may also email thoughts and photos to memories@weiprograms.org.
If there are any friends or staff you would like to keep in touch with whose information you may not have, contact Rob Alexander at rob@weiprograms.org and he will try to contact that person to see if he can give you their contact information.
On the loose . . .
Remember the words of the WEI song. .
“As I sit and watch the sunset and the daylight slowly fades.
I’ll be thinking about tomorrows . . . about the friendships we have made.
I will value them for always and I’ll hope you’ll do the same.
And we’ll see you on the trail and on the loose.”
Please join us in a ceremony as we send WEI on the trail to be on the loose. This event will be held from 2 - 5 PM on Sunday, December 12th at Thorne Ecological Institute in Boulder, CO. Directions and details will be posted at www.weiprograms.org. If you are able to join us, please RSVP to information@weiprograms.org. Drinks will be provided, but please bring a dish to share.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your passion and commitment to the ideals of WEI and our summer programs. We share your sense of loss but deeper than this loss is the hope and excitement created by the differences we made together. We know that the WEI spirit will live forever as we all climb our mountains to find the places where we can be free.
“On the loose to climb a mountain . . . on the loose to where I’m free.
On the loose to live my life the way I think my life should be . . .”
We would also like to thank Tom Cousineau and the entire staff at the Covenant Heights Conference Center for being so supportive of WEI, and giving our programs a home for many years.
In the spirit of camp,
On behalf of the WEI Board of Directors and the WEI Staff, past and present.
Rob Alexander, Kevin Snyder, Meghan McCracken, Clare Bastable, Tommy Feldman, Becca Hatheway, and Alicia Hullinger
The mission of the Wilderness Education Institute is to empower youth and their families to create positive change in their lives and for the Earth's environment by simplifying lifestyles, exploring nature, experiencing personal growth, and building communities.