| This past year Bearnstow successfully completed the second year of our four-year restoration project. We are excited to report that great progress is being made. We held a volunteer workweek in late June and brought in contractors over the season to repair the Lodge, paint and refurbish over 90 windows, update beds, bathrooms, roofs, electrical service and more. We have improved the safety, functionality, and comfort of our cabins without sacrificing the rustic feel of our campus. We know Reg/Ruth would have been proud of these efforts. Caring for the land and our buildings was fundamental to her mission and remains so with ours. We are dedicated to keeping Bearnstow a place for youth and adults to explore the natural world through creative, environmental, and multidisciplinary experiences. |
The group of attendees at the Celebration of life for our founder Ruth Grauert Photo courtesy of Mary-Therese Duffy + Family
| We also hosted workshops by returning teachers KJ Holmes and Claire Porter, held two, 2-week, fully enrolled sessions of Day Camp with many new children in attendance, hosted a film production crew as well as several artist residencies. Our newly appointed Associate Director and veteran Day Camp director, Molly Hess, oversaw all on site camp activity with aplomb. In recognition of her great work on behalf of Bearnstow, we are in the process of promoting her to a half-time, year round salaried position. We are also actively recruiting new members to expand our board of directors and strengthen our leadership team. |
| Next summer we will return to a full schedule of activities including another volunteer work week led by master builder Brian Ward; dance workshops by Bebe Miller & Angie Hauser, Janis Brenner, and Claire Porter; four weeks of Day Camp; and expanded artist residencies, while continuing with repairs and upgrades. We will also host a new weekend retreat by master fiddle teacher, Greg Boardman, and a convening by The Telling Room. |
| We are very encouraged by the support we have received this year from Maine donors and foundations that has enabled us to advance our plan to restore this magical site. But there is much more to do! It’s our charge and our privilege to keep Bearnstow in working order, in a positive relationship with our local and expanded communities, and aligned with the vision that Ruth/Reg set in motion almost 75 years ago. Won’t you join this effort by lending your support as we revitalize Bearnstow for a robust future. Please help us achieve these goals by making your gift in any amount TODAY! Our best to you in this holiday season. Bearnstow Board of Directors and Staff Bebe Miller, President Laura Faure, Vice President Bobbie Gottschalk, Secretary Margery Lieber, Treasurer Carol Dilley, and Angie Hauser, Directors Molly Hess, Associate Director |
