Help Chicago Students Attend Camp Tecumseh

My name is Greg Fairbank. I am a middle school teacher at Carl von Linne Elementary in the Chicago Public Schools. We are a Spanish dual language, pre-k to 8th grade, Title I school in the Avondale neighborhood (Title I is a government designation meaning we are a school with a majority low-income community).

To end the school year with a fun, memorable, and community-building experience, my 7th & 8th grade students will be going to an overnight YMCA camp called Camp Tecumseh. It is located in Indiana about 2 hours from our school. Last year we went to Camp Duncan, and had a blast! We will go to a new camp this year to give returning campers a new experience.

At the camp, my students will do team-building activities, enjoy the beauty of nature, brave a climbing wall, sleep in cabins, and have a campfire, among other activities. Many of my inner-city students have never had the opportunity to do something like this--until now!

But we need your support.

The total cost for the camp and a round trip bus is approximately $100 per student ($35 for the bus, and $67 for the camp, all meals included). This is based on 35 students attending. The total price for the camp is $3,795 (Bus: $1,250, camp: $2,545)

This fundraiser is not meant to fund all students in going, but to lessen the burden on as many families as possible. Every donation makes a difference, even just a few bucks.

In addition, our school has over 100 “newcomer” students who arrived here last year from South America. Your donation will support these students as well, giving them their first American camp experience, and a warm memory as they prepare to graduate from Linne Elementary. Thank you for your consideration in donating. We really appreciate it!