Grantees

The Highgate Library and Community Center is building a program dedicated to teens, ranging from age 12 through 19. This program, called "Teen Time" will take place once a week and provide the teens within our community a fun, educational after school program either in-person or virtually. "Teen Time" will focus on a different theme from week to week with a focus on STEAM, gaming, and craft projects. This program will provide teens an outlet for their creativity and will bring them together to form a greater sense of community and peer connection. It will give teens a fun social club after school that is focused on their educational, social, and emotional advancement.

Purchase quick-erect tent shelters to be shared by several Girl Scouts Day Camps throught the State.

The Barra School provides free year-round forest and wilderness programming for at-risk and neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ youth and youth of other underserved and marginalized populations. We operate on a cohort model and work with 2-4 cohorts of youth ages 9-18 a year. We are requesting funding for adaptive backpacking equipment which will improve the accessibility and safety of our programming for youth with physical limitations and/or disabilities.

The Big Buddy fitness initiative program willhelp foster positive attitudes toward health and fitness and encourage healthy habits and decisions.

In the middle of Morrisville sits a small, but mighty school that boasts fields with majestic views and quiet serenity. Throughout the seasons, you'll find students playing soccer, lacrosse, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Athletics is a vital part of the school's mission. Currently, we only have used Winter equipment for our 6th-8th graders. We'd like to see students start earlier in our Winter programs by the 3rd. grade. We are providing cross country ski equipment (skis,bindings,shoes,and poles) and snowshoes. It's so vital for children to get outside and be healthy all year long!

The Children’s Room is a free playspace for families and caretakers with small children, based at Brookside Primary School in Waterbury and open to all families in Central Vermont and beyond. Now celebrating its 40th year, The Children’s Room has long been a mainstay of the Central Vermont community. As we crest this milestone, it is time to update our playspace and programming. Our indoor play structure and dramatic play area have been in use for many years, and we are seeking new equipment to replace these outdated pieces. Newer equipment will provide greater safety, meet higher health standards in materials, and provide children with more options for dynamic, engaging play. Parents and caretakers will also appreciate improved and safer equipment, increasing their comfort and engagement in play with their children.

TC’s Refuse to Use (RTU) Program is a community & school based series of educational substance misuse & asset building events for scholars in grades 6-12. RTU is available to 8 schools & homeschoolers. Scholars learn about health risks associated with substance misuse & asset building skills like resilience, stigma reduction, & coping skills. Attend 5 lessons and scholars receive a season pass from local community recreation partners. This program addresses the physical, mental, & social well-being of young people by delivering vetted programs, cultivating community involvement & providing a season pass as a healthy alternative. This year by increasing programs and accessibility, our focus will create a community of preventionists.

Camp DREAM operates during the summer in Fletcher, VT. We provide youth ages 8-18 with an opportunity to experience summer camp at no cost to them. A new program we will debut in summer 2018 is our Teen Trail Crew. This team will consist of a small group of juniors and seniors who will be paid over the summer to clear trails, build small structures, and help maintain the property (including working in our organic garden), all while building skills and teamwork. Reliable hand tools will give new opportunities and abilities to our Trail Crew as they work to improve Camp DREAM for the benefit of themselves, the property, and current and future campers.