We are struggling this year with raising enough funds for camp. Here are the facts. The law now states that we can't ask for a camp payment. Instead, we can request a donation and fundraise. The district does not provide, and never has provided any money for camp. The 5th grade camp funds come from the donations and fundraising efforts of our school's parents and staff.
Camp is an enriching and important part of the 5th grade school year. The science hands-on education afforded by camp is invaluable as well as the social development and maturity that come with spending time away from home.
The amount needed to send a child to camp breaks down to $360. This figure covers the cost of transportation, food, and lodging per student. Presently, we still need $18,000 to enable all students who have expressed a desire to attend, to go to camp. The only way for camp to continue at MDES is to continue to solicit donations and to fundraise in order to make up the difference of the cost versus donated funds. Most of the cost of camp normally is covered by donations. Fundraising typically brings in a few thousand dollars.
Please, if you have simply forgotten to send in your donation, do so ASAP. If you have not yet spoken with your child's teacher about the camp donation, please do so.
The PFC fully supports and encourages 5th grade camp for this and coming years. The PFC will assist by providing the use of their credit card system. On September 10th and September 12th, Treasurer, Jennifer Marks will be in the MUR 15 minutes before classes so that parents who would like to donate via credit card can do so. Jennifer will also be available after school on September 10th.
In the hopes of keeping the door open for 5th grade camp to happen, we have been able to extend the donation end date to the beginning of October. We do not want to disappoint our 5th grade students who have been eagerly awaiting their camp experience. At this point, about 2/3 of the student costs have been raised through donations. The $18,000 which is still needed will cover the remaining 1/3 of students. We will be forced to cancel camp if all students who wish to go are unable to do so. In the event camp is cancelled, we will return your camp donation. As always, thank you for your generosity and support.