Camp Taum Sauk Summer 2020
Donation protected
Due to the global pandemic of Covid-19, Camp Taum Sauk will not be opening this summer.
After great consideration, Nick and Suzy Smith (the Directors/Owners) have decided that opening camp this summer would endanger the health and safety of their employees and the campers in their care. This was a very difficult, stressful, and heart-breaking decision for the Smiths.
Every summer since 1946, Camp Taum Sauk has been a second home for its campers and staff. Camp Taum Sauk has been owned and operated by the Smith family since 1958. Three generations of Smiths have worked to make camp the wonderful place we all know and love. Camp Taum Sauk is an overnight camp where children gain independence, learn how to live and work with others, and gain important life skills. But most importantly, it is a place to have fun. And this is the first summer in 74 years that camp won't open its gates to campers and staff from the St. Louis area and throughout the world.
While many will feel the loss of camp this summer, that loss is greatest for the Smith family. Because at the end of the day, Camp Taum Sauk is a business - and for the Smiths, their livelihood. Indeed, making the decision to close camp means that Nick and Suzy are losing their entire income for the year. Moreover, despite camp's closure, the overhead and maintenance costs associated with camp's upkeep and preparation for next year remain.
Nick and Suzy would never ask for help. That is why we're asking for them. Anyone who has met the Smiths--either through camp, or otherwise--knows that they are two of the kindest, most compassionate, generous individuals out there. They have done so much in shaping so many lives and the world is truly a better place because of them and their beloved Camp Taum Sauk.
It is time for our CTS family to rally around the Smiths and support them. Please consider contributing in one or more of the following ways:
1) If you are able, please contribute financially. The money raised from this GoFundMe account will go directly to the Smith Family. We know these are challenging times for many, and this may be a big request. But every dollar counts, and every contribution, big or small, is appreciated. If you are not able to donate, you can still help in the following ways!
2) Please share this page with your friends, family, and neighbors, especially if you live in the St Louis area. The impact CTS has made has reached far and wide. So many people have made their closest friends, met their spouses, or even decided on their careers, because of their time at Camp Taum Sauk. Spread the word! Share this information on Facebook, Instagram, through email, text, word of mouth--however you are able.
3) Please tell your friends and family about your experiences at Camp Taum Sauk; perhaps it will encourage new families to send their children to camp or work at camp in the future. Remember how much your children love camp and get them excited for summer 2021!
4) If you are able, we know Nick and Suzy would love to hear from you throughout the summer. This is going to be a difficult summer for their family. It will be the first summer in Nick's life that he won't be at Taum Sauk (and the same goes for his children). Send them some love and let them know you are thinking of them!
Thank you so much for helping support the Smiths. It is so important that we help them through this summer so future generations of campers get to experience all of the adventures and camaraderie that Camp Taum Sauk has to offer. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful camp family!
After great consideration, Nick and Suzy Smith (the Directors/Owners) have decided that opening camp this summer would endanger the health and safety of their employees and the campers in their care. This was a very difficult, stressful, and heart-breaking decision for the Smiths.
Every summer since 1946, Camp Taum Sauk has been a second home for its campers and staff. Camp Taum Sauk has been owned and operated by the Smith family since 1958. Three generations of Smiths have worked to make camp the wonderful place we all know and love. Camp Taum Sauk is an overnight camp where children gain independence, learn how to live and work with others, and gain important life skills. But most importantly, it is a place to have fun. And this is the first summer in 74 years that camp won't open its gates to campers and staff from the St. Louis area and throughout the world.
While many will feel the loss of camp this summer, that loss is greatest for the Smith family. Because at the end of the day, Camp Taum Sauk is a business - and for the Smiths, their livelihood. Indeed, making the decision to close camp means that Nick and Suzy are losing their entire income for the year. Moreover, despite camp's closure, the overhead and maintenance costs associated with camp's upkeep and preparation for next year remain.
Nick and Suzy would never ask for help. That is why we're asking for them. Anyone who has met the Smiths--either through camp, or otherwise--knows that they are two of the kindest, most compassionate, generous individuals out there. They have done so much in shaping so many lives and the world is truly a better place because of them and their beloved Camp Taum Sauk.
It is time for our CTS family to rally around the Smiths and support them. Please consider contributing in one or more of the following ways:
1) If you are able, please contribute financially. The money raised from this GoFundMe account will go directly to the Smith Family. We know these are challenging times for many, and this may be a big request. But every dollar counts, and every contribution, big or small, is appreciated. If you are not able to donate, you can still help in the following ways!
2) Please share this page with your friends, family, and neighbors, especially if you live in the St Louis area. The impact CTS has made has reached far and wide. So many people have made their closest friends, met their spouses, or even decided on their careers, because of their time at Camp Taum Sauk. Spread the word! Share this information on Facebook, Instagram, through email, text, word of mouth--however you are able.
3) Please tell your friends and family about your experiences at Camp Taum Sauk; perhaps it will encourage new families to send their children to camp or work at camp in the future. Remember how much your children love camp and get them excited for summer 2021!
4) If you are able, we know Nick and Suzy would love to hear from you throughout the summer. This is going to be a difficult summer for their family. It will be the first summer in Nick's life that he won't be at Taum Sauk (and the same goes for his children). Send them some love and let them know you are thinking of them!
Thank you so much for helping support the Smiths. It is so important that we help them through this summer so future generations of campers get to experience all of the adventures and camaraderie that Camp Taum Sauk has to offer. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful camp family!
Organizer and beneficiary
Clarissa Schuller-Meyer
Organizer
Ballwin, MO
Nick Smith
Beneficiary