Why Donate?
Camp Tyler is one of our community’s greatest achievements and will celebrate serving almost a quarter of a million children over the last sixty years this month. The first facility of its kind in America, the camp was built and has flourished through the combined efforts of the Camp Tyler Foundation and a wide variety of civic clubs, corporations, schools and individuals throughout our community. Our long term relationship with the Tyler Independent School District is in a large part responsible for this success. Though the structure of the relationship has changed, our partnership in providing outdoor school is as strong as ever. Fifth grade students from TISD are still enjoying the overnight camping experience that so many of us fondly remember.
The changes that have taken place have opened the door for many more children all over to benefit from Camp Tyler. We are currently working to arrange annual visits to Camp Tyler by every student in the county from kindergarten through sixth grade. Our staff is working with the county agent to develop an after school Junior FFA program. This summer we will be offering, for the first time, a summer day camp program open to any child in the county. We are also continuing work to offer more family oriented weekend programs.
A growing body of scientific and educational research indicates that our children are suffering from a number of physical and psychological disorders that result from insufficient time outdoors and contact with nature. The Camp Tyler Foundation is committed to leading the nation in dealing with this problem. We feel that our community can come together and address this issue. We need your help. Please join us; write a check today and help us spread the word.
Camp Tyler is a treasure. The citizens of our community saw a need and they addressed it. Today there are more children and they each need more time outdoors, in the forest, on the farm, by the lake and in the sunshine.
Thank you all for generous and continuous support of Camp Tyler! Click here to see others that supported us in 2009.
You may direct your contribution to the Annual Campaign, the Capital Campaign, the Camp Tyler Endowment, or to a specific purpose.
The Annual Campaign is our source for unrestricted donations. These funds help with expenses related to operating the camp. The Annual Campaign money is important as it largely determines how many youth we can serve in a given year. The 2009-2010 goal for the campaign is $200,000.
Capital Campaign donations are restricted and can only be used for capital improvements. Plans for capital improvements include two additional dormitories, a Visitors’ Center, three multi-use pavilions, renovation of existing cabins, and new/enhanced natural features.
The total estimated need is $3.1 million. Naming privileges will be awarded for appropriate contributions to some parts of this development.
The Camp Tyler Foundation Endowment is a new source of perpetual support for Camp Tyler. Funds placed in this fund are invested. Interest earned from this fund is used to contribute to the camp’s operating budget.
Restricted donations may be directed to almost any purpose the donor chooses to specify. If you have certain criteria in mind for your giving please call the Executive Director, Alan Byboth at (903) 565-4475 to discuss current or anticipated needs of the camp that might fit.
Thank you again for your generous donation. If you would like to see first hand how it's helping the kids at Camp Tyler please call us to schedule a visit.
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