I am writing to share a vision on sustainability and affordability that I want to bring to Sunny Truth Nature Programs. There are two driving forces for the programming that I offer, connection between children where everyone feels included and affordability. The first piece is something that I value because we as a culture are becoming more disconnected and isolated, and what better place to foster connection than time spent in nature. I want to provide a place where every child who attends feels a sense of connection with others and with the program itself.
The second piece, affordability, is a big one. If people can’t afford to send their children to programming, especially outdoor based programs, we create a generation that loses their connection to the natural world around them, which in the long run is detrimental to us and the natural world. I saw the disparity of opportunities for families with less resources when I worked for Durham Parks and Rec. I was able to leverage the city resources to bring environmental education to recreation centers for children who otherwise would never get it. I saw the impact access to nature programs brought to the children. The children went from having pretty much no knowledge of what was living in their backyards, parks, and having a fear of all things crawling, to being children excited to go out and explore the natural world around them.
When I started Sunny Truth I wanted to make things affordable while also being able to create a sustainable livelihood for my family. It has been a tough balance for sure and sometimes when I look at the cost other camps are charging I wonder, ‘what I am doing’ and how can this work for everyone across most socioeconomic statuses and me. I could charge more, I could price people out so I could be more financially stable, but it pains me to think of limiting who can attend. I considered going the route of becoming a non-profit, but I know the challenges that brings and our current political climate is making grant funding very uncertain. There is also the challenge we face as our WNC communities are still rebuilding from Helene. So I needed an idea to try and help me keep the balance of affordability and financial security.
I have decided to start a Ko-fi page where people can choose to help support the programs. My goal is to hold summer camp and other youth programming at the current cost or drop them, while being able to pay staff a livable wage and myself a liveable wage. So if you feel that you could afford to help Sunny Truth keep programs affordable, here is your opportunity.
With Ko-fi there is the option of doing a one time donation or you can set up a monthly membership. I have never really put myself out to the universe like this, I just try and plug along. But I have realized if Sunny Truth is to thrive and provide affordable programming it is going to take help. So check out the link here https://ko-fi.com/sunnytruthnpm and please feel free to spread the word. Maybe you know of someone who values affordable youth programming who would like to help us out. I encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting Sunny Truth.
