What Your Support Means on Giving Tuesday

As the holiday season draws nearer, we’re reminded of the compassion and dedication within our community. Giving Tuesday 2024 is December 3rd, and we want to take a moment to share with you the profound impact your support will have on this nonprofit organzation. 

 

What Giving Tuesday Means to Us

Giving Tuesday is more than just a day for donations; it’s a global movement that emphasizes the power of collective action to make a difference. For Camp Starfish, it’s a day when we come together with you, our incredible community, to amplify our mission and ensure that every child who requires 1:1 support can experience the joy, growth, and connection that is core to the summer camp experience.

 

The Impact of Your Support

Camp Starfish is a therapeutic environment for children with emotional, behavioral, social, and learning challenges. Our campers often struggle to find places where they feel understood and accepted. But thanks to your generosity, Camp Starfish offers a safe, nurturing environment where these children are celebrated for who they are and thrive.

 

Here’s how your contributions make a difference:

1. Creating a Safe Space for Growth

Your donations help us maintain a structured and supportive environment tailored to each camper’s needs. Many of our children face challenges that make typical camp experiences difficult, but at Camp Starfish, they find a place that feels like home. Here, they can develop social skills, build self-confidence, and learn to manage their emotions in a positive setting. Your support ensures we can offer a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio, providing individualized attention and care to every child.

2. Providing Life-Changing Experiences

Experiences like making your first friend, swapping your first friendship bracelet, and sharing your first story around the campfire are what comprise the core of the camp experience. These moments are made possible by the generosity of our community. Your contributions provide access to specialized programs, activities, and experiences that many of our campers would never have elsewhere. From swimming and boating to art and music, every activity is designed to help campers discover their strengths and unleash their potential.

3. Scholarships and Accessibility

A significant portion of our campers receive financial assistance to attend summer programming. Without your generosity, many of these children would not be able to attend camp. Through camperships funded by gifts from our community, we are able to ensure that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, has the opportunity to experience the magic of Camp Starfish.

4. Supporting Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

The impact of your giving extends far beyond the summer months. Camp Starfish helps children develop skills they carry with them throughout their lives. The emotional and social growth they experience here can lead to greater coping abilities, better relationships, and a stronger sense of self-worth. Your support allows us to continue offering both summer and year-round programming, helping campers and their families access the resources they need to thrive.

 

Your Impact, Their Future

Every donation to Camp Starfish is an investment in a child’s future. It’s a chance for a child to feel seen, heard, and valued in a world that can often feel overwhelming. On this Giving Tuesday, we invite you to continue partnering with us to create a lasting impact.

 

Join Us in Making a Difference

On December 3rd, we ask you to join us in celebrating Giving Tuesday by donating to Camp Starfish. Your generosity will help us continue providing life-changing experiences for children who need a place to belong, a place to learn, and a place to shine.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for being a part of the Camp Starfish family. Together, we can make this Giving Tuesday the beginning of something truly special for our campers.

 

Donate Today and Help a Starfish Shine Brighter!

Make Your Gift Here

With gratitude,
The Camp Starfish Team

 

P.S. If you’ve already donated or are considering it, please know how much we appreciate your support. We encourage you to share your reasons for giving with your friends and family, spreading the word about the transformative power of Camp Starfish. Let’s make this Giving Tuesday our most impactful yet!

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Lydia Beeler

Lydia Beeler is Camp Starfish’s Program Director, ensuring that all campers have a safe, supportive, and fun Starfish experience. Lydia joined Starfish in the summer of 2021 and has enjoyed multiple different roles on camp. With a degree in psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and experience in healthcare and education, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to her role.

Lydia is from Worcester, Massachusetts, and takes great pride in being able to pronounce her hometown. Her favorite camp activity is the closing campfire, where campers are able to reflect on and celebrate their achievements made during their time at Starfish. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “We make camp a safe place.”

Photo of Danielle Lubbers

Danielle Lubbers

Danielle joined Camp Starfish in the spring of 2023 as Camp Director. Originally working with the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, Danielle has ten years of experience providing programming to children, outdoor skills training for adults, and directing overnight summer camp experiences.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her two-year old Dalmatian, Mia. Danielle’s favorite activity at camp is raft building, as she enjoys seeing campers and staff work together to complete a team goal. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is “We are here to learn, grow, and have fun!”

Staff photo of David

David Mahnken

David Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Mental Health Consultant. He provides staff training each summer on topics such as self-care, trauma-informed care practices, and health & wellness. David also provides support and consultation to the organization throughout the year. David holds a BA from St. Olaf College and an MSW from Simmons University. David is a LICSW who works in emergency services in addition to his own private practice in Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming a social worker, David’s first experience at camp was as a counselor in the early 2000s before becoming an administrator and member of the year-round team. His favorite camp activity is swim-I (swim instruction), and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We make camp a safe place.”

Staff photo of Joe

Joe Clark

As the Assistant Director at Camp Starfish, Joe is a seasoned professional who is well-versed in all aspects of camp life. With five years of summer work at Starfish, he brings extensive experience and expertise to the camp year-round. Joe is from the UK, and holds a degree from Keele University. Joe works as a support worker in the UK, providing care to individuals with disabilities, since 2019. Joe also engages in volunteer work, including spending three months in Abrobiano, Ghana.

Joe is known at camp for his charming English accent, which campers often try to replicate! His favorite camp activity is playing soccer (football) on the field, and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I take responsibility for my actions.”

Staff photo of Rachel

Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts is the Director of Staff Experience at Camp Starfish, responsible for all things staffing and groups. With a degree in Anthropology, and a Certificate in Global Citizenship from Franklin Pierce University, Rachel brings a unique perspective to her role. She oversees hiring, onboarding, retention, and staff appreciation for the 100+ seasonal staff at Camp Starfish each summer. Rachel has been a part of the Starfish team since 2016, working in various seasonal roles. She joined the Year-Round Team full-time in 2022.

As a lifelong New Hampshire resident, Rachel enjoys hiking in the woods with her dog, Clover. Her favorite camp activity is Free Play, and her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We respect each other’s differences.”

Staff photo of Kristie

Kristie Martin

Kristie Martin is Camp Starfish’s Communications Director, ensuring that Starfish is able to reach a wide audience of potential campers and staff each year to further the Starfish mission. With her degree in Applied Psychology & Human Development from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, Kristie has a deep understanding of child development and uses this knowledge to create a nurturing environment for all campers during the summer.

Kristie grew up in the Monadnock region and takes pride in being a local. Kristie’s favorite camp activity is the Camper Talent Show, which she believes is the perfect opportunity for campers to showcase their skills and feel comfortable sharing with the community. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “I try my best, I do not have to be the best.”

Staff photo of Sarah

Sarah Scott-Sandagato

Sarah Scott-Sandagato is the Director of Operations at Camp Starfish, joining the team in the Spring of 2022. She brings with her a wealth of professional experience working in both mental health and human resources. Sarah’s role at Camp Starfish is crucial in ensuring that camp runs smoothly, and she is available to assist families every step of the way through the registration process. If you call the Starfish office, Sarah will likely be who you speak with first!

With her dedication to helping others and her commitment to creating a positive camp experience for every child, it’s no wonder that her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We are members of a team.”

Staff photo of Jamie

Jamie Mahnken

Jamie Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Executive Director, and has been an integral part of the Camp Starfish community since 2010, serving in a variety of roles. With a degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, Jamie is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for every camper, staff member, and volunteer.

As a North Carolina native, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her favorite camp activity is kayaking to Blueberry Island, which is a meaningful and memorable experience for many campers, as well. Jamie’s favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I am flexible and open to change.”