Camp Stonewall at Marianapolis Preparatory School Awarded 2022 Summer Enrichment Grant

Camp Stonewall, a co-educational sleepaway camp serving campers entering grades 2 through 10 and nestled on the campus of Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, Connecticut, was awarded a grant through the Connecticut State Department of Education’s 2022 Summer Enrichment Grant Program. Through partnerships between the Connecticut State Department of Education and leaders across the state, the grant program was established with the vision of providing children and families with dynamic, meaningful enrichment experiences throughout the summer, effectively bridging the learning gap between school years — particularly in light of challenges faced throughout the pandemic, including academic learning loss and social isolation.

The award, says Emily Schӓfer, Marianapolis’ Director of Summer Programs, “will facilitate campership support for 200 youth in Windham County, in addition to expanding and enhancing camp offerings. [...] Essentially, we have been charged with helping kids to learn and grow in new ways this summer and, with over 40 activities offered each day, we’re enthusiastically doing just that!” With Camp Stonewall 2022 in its third week, the first beneficiaries of the grant are now on campus and engaged in the many opportunities and activities offered.

As for facilitating campership support, notes Schӓfer, “integrating genuine diversity has always been central to the Camp Stonewall vision. We have historically welcomed youth and adults from countries around the world, each bringing distinct perspectives, skill sets, and experiences to camp — but who often have one thing in common: they have the means to attend overnight camp. [...] We are acutely aware that many families in Thompson and our neighboring towns may not be able to make the dream of Camp Stonewall a reality without the support of this grant. To that end, reaching out locally and welcoming so many new faces to camp has been transformative. Our community is stronger, and we’re able to do what we do best — make history! We are beyond grateful for the magical moments we have celebrated — and those we will continue to celebrate — with the kids we serve.”

As of the start of July, a small number of camperships are still available. Please reach out to campstonewall@marianapolis.org to learn more about availability.