Annual Report 2021
October 1, 2020-September 30, 2021
Dear Friends,
On behalf of everyone at Dunes Learning Center, thank you for inspiring the stewards of tomorrow. As we continue to navigate an unpredictable global pandemic, there is no shortage of work to be done, and we do it together.
With your support, kids growing up in the diverse communities along the south shore of Lake Michigan are learning about the interdependence of a healthy environment, vibrant economy, and equitable society with Dunes Learning Center. These experiences give a new generation the skills and compassion needed to ensure nature and our communities are healthy and thriving for those that follow.
Together, we are building momentum for a more sustainable future with education focused on:
The power of nature. When kids spend time outside and use nature as a place to learn both formally and informally, they become healthier, happier, and smarter.
The power of science. Outdoor field study develops the next generation of informed and empowered critical thinkers.
The power of active engagement. Outdoor field study gives kids the opportunity to see how their actions impact the world around them.
TODAY’S STUDENTS ARE TOMORROW’S LEADERS!
Your support promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion so all kids have the opportunity to benefit from outdoor field study with Dunes Learning Center. More than half of the classrooms and summer campers who join us for immersive overnight programs in their National Park receive need-based scholarship funds to make their experience possible. Likewise, STEM-strong outreach programs are delivered at little or no cost to schools in low-income communities with scholarship funds.
You make it possible.
Together, we provide a ladder of outdoor education experiences so kids can keep learning and growing. Here at Dunes Learning Center, former students and campers become counselors in training, cabin leader interns, naturalist educator interns/fellows, and employees. Others are inspired to become teachers, scientists, park rangers, and community leaders who are advocates for the local environment, Lake Michigan and their very own National Park thanks to you.
It’s all part of a lifelong learning model rooted in planting seeds that spark curiosity, joy, and wonder. When we nurture those seeds over time, we see the long-term impact. Thank you for your investment in the future, and we look forward to seeing you on campus again soon!
With gratitude,
Geof Benson
Executive Director
David Wright
Board President
Paul Labovitz
National Park Superintendent
2020-21 Program Highlights: Resilience & perseverance
during a full year of the COVID-19 pandemic
22,882 hours spent exploring outdoors instead of online!
13,579 total education experiences led by the DLC team
3,446 students of all ages participated in STEM-strong education programs.
227 summer campers unplugged and connected with nature on campus.
19 interns/fellows lived and learned together on campus.
2,524 nights spent in a national park by program participants on campus.
7,530 meals consumed by program participants on campus
868 hours of stewardship, removing invasive species and planting native plants.
School overnight education programs for grades 4-12
Once again, thousands of students missed their school overnight program experience due to the pandemic. On the bright side, Dunes Learning Center officially reopened campus for reduced-capacity programs in April - and we haven’t looked back since!
As we look forward, more than half of the school groups who will be joining us on campus for overnight programs need financial assistance to attend. Your support provides scholarship opportunities for these schools and helps ensure access for all our local students.
School outreach education programs for K-12 classrooms
Adaptability continued to be the key as students participated in lessons virtually from home and their classrooms. As the year went on, some lessons were delivered in-person with reduced-capacity groups finally getting outdoors in the spring!
Last fall, Outreach education manager Alisha Zick was honored to receive The Joe Wright Recognition of Excellence Award from the Environmental Education Association of Indiana.
“Your dedication and innovation helped keep our students learning about our environment (while meeting state standards!) even through remote learning. We appreciate that you always communicate effectively and adapt to our needs - and lots more! Your hard work is greatly appreciated by us at Discovery Charter School - and is deserving of state-wide recognition.”
Summer camp in the dunes for ages 5-17
The pandemic may have reduced capacity, but it certainly did not limit the FUN and ADVENTURE! From new friendships that will last a lifetime to new skills gained and new trails conquered, campers left their electronic devices behind and “recharged their batteries” in nature.
“My son and his friends have been singing camp songs ever since they came home last week. Just hearing about the adventure of the camp, my younger son cannot wait until he gets to go in a few years. My son has been planning our family vacations for the next year, and wants us all to start hiking together as a family in the dunes.”
New skills and experiences to kick-start careers
2020-21 saw the return of a full education team.
Meet Keramida Fellow Sierra
Sierra is an interpretive naturalist who is passionate about wildlife conservation, outdoor appreciation, and environmental education. She received her bachelor of science degree in Natural Science & Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry from Indiana University. Sierra grew up exploring the woods near her house; and firmly believes that outdoor exploration is a pillar of hands-on learning and environmental stewardship. When she isn’t hiking, she enjoys exploring the interconnectedness of our world or curling up with a good book.
Thanks to Keramida for Fellowship support.
Financial Highlights
Operating Revenue & Support
Operating Expenses
Thank you to the many generous supporters who contributed to Dunes Learning Center between October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021. Your donations help fund our environmental education programs, and we are tremendously grateful for your support.
A Dunes Affair
We were set to host an in-person event this year! But… after the invitations were mailed, COVID numbers started rising as the Delta variant spread. DLC staff and board made the difficult decision to cancel the gala.
Kelly Bennett, from Charter School of the Dunes was the Green Apple Honoree.
Farewell, Diane!
After 11 years, Food Service and Facilities Director Diane Brown retired! We are grateful for her long service and dedication to the organization.
Thank you to the many Community Education partners who assisted with online workshops.
National Park Service, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Billie Warren, Kim Swift, Annette Hansen, and many more!
Mugs with Buds - a lighthearted video series created by the naturalists - added to the Distance Learning Collection.
Kids Need Nature - Nature Needs Kids
Dunes Learning Center delivers environmental education programs to inspire lasting curiosity and stewardship with nature.
Since 1998, more than 160,000 students have explored and learned along the south shore of Lake Michigan with us.
