Support Clearwater this season – however you can!

Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season for many people. Amidst this season of gratitude, giving and jolly spirits, we hope that you will remember Clearwater Camp. After the hectic shopping of Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes what nonprofits have dubbed “Giving Tuesday,” a time to make donations to your favorite causes, charities and – in our case, we hope! – camps. Clearwater has come incredibly far in recent years, but we have more work ahead. Ultimately, our goal is to be the most vibrant camp in the Northwoods for impacting the lives of girls and young women to be more self-confident, courageous and the community leaders they have the potential to be. With your support, we know our goals are possible. For some perspective on this, I asked our Development Director Ruth Igoe to give us all some tips on how we can help Clearwater Camp this holiday season.  

During the last decade, it has been inspiring to see the Clearwater Camp community rally around its summertime alma mater, helping to ease the transition of our beloved camp to a thriving nonprofit organization. Working together, we have renovated vintage buildings like the Oaks and some antique fireplaces in our Deck and Dining Room. We have given support to our stellar programs with everything from new camping and riding gear, to new sailboats, to even a new waterski boat. Moreover, we’ve provided more than $80,000 in camperships to girls whose families would not have otherwise been able to afford the Clearwater experience. Gifts made to Clearwater through the years have ranged from $10 to a million dollars to everything in between. Every single donation has made a difference. Clearwater Camp would not be where it is today without your incredible outpouring of support, loyalty and devotion.

As we enter this season of giving, we hope that you will once again consider supporting our haven along Tomahawk Lake. There are so many ways to help Clearwater. The following are some details about how you can make an impact for Clearwater this holiday season.

• Give a gift. Clearwater makes it easy for current camp families, alumnae and friends to make a tax-deductible donation during the holiday season and year-round. Letters are in the mail for you, each one including a donation envelope inside. You may also donate quickly and easily on our website. If you would like to donate using other vehicles, such as a stock donation, please just contact me at ruth@clearwatercamp.org and I would be happy to facilitate. Please note that 25 percent of all unrestricted donations this holiday season will go toward our campership program!
• Shop online at Amazon. We are excited to tell you about a new giving program for us through Amazon.com: AmazonSmile. For every eligible purchase you make through this dedicated Amazon.com website portal benefiting Clearwater – which features the same great Amazon merchandise and prices – the AmazonSmile Foundation will make a .5% donation of your purchase value to Clearwater Camp. This is a great way to support Clearwater on this upcoming Cyber Monday or Giving Tuesday. Shop until you drop! Just head to http://smile.amazon.com/ch/43-2024465 to participate!
• Sign up to volunteer at the Memorial Day Work Weekend. Clearwater is always grateful for the time and talent of its supporters throughout the year. One of the most fun, rewarding and easy ways to volunteer for Clearwater next year is to sign up for what will be our fifth annual Memorial Day Work Weekend! Through the years, about 25 people have come to each event to put some sweat equity into painting, raking, power washing, cleaning and otherwise getting our camp ready to shine for the upcoming season. Oftentimes volunteers undertake special projects that would not be completed without their help and dedication. The weekend is free of charge, featuring our rustic cabin accommodations and meals filled with Clearwater camaraderie. Find out more and sign up on the website at https://www.clearwatercamp.org/alumnae/events/work-weekend/.
• Contact us with your ideas! Finally, Clearwater would not be where it is today without the skills and ideas of its vast, accomplished community. We have had volunteers that are everything from graphic artists, to camp historians, to seamstresses. If you have an idea for how you might be able to help us in the future – perhaps by giving goods or services in-kind, volunteering to host an event or lending your expertise to our efforts – please always feel free to contact me at ruth@clearwatercamp.org, Liz Baker at liz@clearwatercamp.org or the main camp office at 715.358.5836 or info@clearwatercamp.org.

We have been so grateful for all of the support Clearwater has received through the years. With your help this holiday season, Clearwater Camp promises to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women for generations to come. Thank you!