Tropical Depression Chantal Relief Update - As most are aware our region was hit hard with record breaking flooding, followed by weeks of water access closures due to safety and water quality. With the significant challenges so many faced following Chantal, we hesitated asking for help. Unfortunately, the ripple effects from loss, recovery, and repair of boats and equipment, added expenses to pivot camp programs (to non-water and further away locations), keeping staff scheduled during weeks of access closures and trip cancellations, caused unprecedented impact and financial strain for us. At the suggestion of some of you, our amazing guests, students, and friends we hosted an online auction, and that branched out to a huge assist from our local community businesses and organizations.

Now, at the beginning of 2026, most of the access locations we use for programs and trips are open. The last one we are waiting on is West Point on the Eno. While the upper part of the park is open, the access to the water is closed. We have word that it will likely remain closed until sometime late next year to make some more significant repairs and changes to the lower part of the parks infrastructure. We’re looking forward to being able to get folks out at West Point once that access is re-opened. Hopefully in 2026.

We are so incredibly thankful to all of the businesses and individuals who donated items, and bid on items and services in our online auction! Additionally, we want to thank Eno River Brewing for hosting a fundraising event, Locopops for donating a portion of their proceeds from their 20th anniversary celebration, and Blank Tapes for organizing a live music event/fundraiser hosted by Yonderlust! And Progression Climbing, Cocoa Cinnamon, Little Waves, Loaf, Phelps Phine Art, Wetland Studies and Solutions, Blue Point Yoga, JJ Johnson, Yoga & Parenting with Olynda for you auction donations. AND the amazing bands that came out for the Blank Tapes Yonderlust Event - Wigg Report, Chicken Ranch Road Show, Ol’ Joey Scrums, Eugenius, Ravary, and Saturn is Changing!

Because of all of you we ended last season much more closely to a financially normal year!

The combined efforts of the auction and fundraising events raised just under $20,000!

We did come up shy of our $25K goal, so if you missed the auction and the events here are a few more ways you can still help us out:

1. Purchase a Gift Card and give the gift of an experience and adventure to a friend, family member or co-worker.

2. Book a Trip or Class with us this year!

Also, please consider supporting on of the amazing local businesses, artists, or musicians that helped us through rough times.