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 and students, we hosted an online auction, and then branched out to a huge assist from our local community businesses and organizations.

Now, months later, finally 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 the middle of 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 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! Because of all of you we will be ending this 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. THe link to the Gift Cards can be found at the bottom of any page of our website.

2. Once our 2026 schedule is finalize (this will hopefully be soon!) book a Trip or Class.

3. or make a one time donation by clicking here.