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Announcing the Jocelyn B. Tetel Campership

We are excited to announce the Jocelyn B. Tetel Campership, which provides the Coniston Experience to a deserving child so they may make new friends and participate in the Coniston program that gave Jocelyn so much joy.

Jocelyn grew up in North Carolina, attended Coniston from 1971 through 1979, and is the Vice President of Advancement for the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Her independence, leadership, and social skills were shaped through the nine summers on the lake. Her memories of Camp often include mental snapshots of waterskiing and sailing, shooting a bow and arrow and sleeping out under the stars—and even teaching synchronized swimming as a staff member. But most importantly she met one of her dearest friends to this day—and though they have never lived in the same city—their friendship sustains the distance.

If this past year has taught us anything, it is a deep understanding that learning to connect with others is the very lesson that kids need most at Camp.

She is so pleased that the essence of the Camp remains the same and it is still offering these same experiences to young people today. The best way she can show her appreciation for Coniston is to give a campership in perpetuity—meaning the campership follows the camper through their entire Camp journey to ensure long-term development then transfers to a new camper.

From 2015 to 2019, we doubled full camperships to 165. We believe having a Coniston filled with campers from all walks of life is stronger for every child.

Many things are taken into consideration when awarding a full Coniston Campership to a child. Initially, children and their families submit an application, the previous tax year forms, and are assessed through professionals such as school counselors and nurses. Next, the family’s income is screened using the federal free and reduced lunch income eligibility guidelines. Then the family’s income is multiplied by three—making it more equitable. Then our registrar and CEO discuss each application to determine camperships.

Additionally, we offer campership opportunities for families who may have a difficult story to share that may not be reflected in their finances. Such as families in cancer treatments, families who have suffered a loss such as a house fire, or even children who are being raised by grandparents.

MAKE A CHILD’S FUTURE YOUR LEGACY 

How does this work? Because of generous donors like Jocelyn, the Coniston Endowment Fund is growing and providing the life-changing experience of Camp to many deserving children—regardless of financial means. The endowment also helps Coniston moderate inevitable cost pressures—rising prices, inflation, and unexpected expenses. This gift was given as a three-year pledge from gifts of stock. 

Gifts can be given to children through Coniston in many ways:

Check or Online
Reoccurring Credit Card Gift
Multi-Year Pledge
Estate Gift
Stock or Mutual Funds
Matching Gifts
Corporate/Foundation
Philanthropic Gift
Life Insurance Policies

If additional information is needed to help your gift-giving process go smoother, please contact lindsey@coniston.org.

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Bar Harbor Bank supports Coniston and Local Community

Local communities are a shared experience for all humanity. At first glance it is counterintuitive that in order for each of us to achieve our maximum potential as individuals, a group of people needs to come together to provide an atmosphere that supports each of us. The stronger that group is, the better chance the individual has of achieving their possibilities!
Coniston’s local community is no exception. We are especially grateful for our partnership with Bar Harbor Bank and Trust. In December 2019, Bar Harbor Bank pledged to send local children to Coniston and improve the pavilion. Renovations will provide space for more children to play, develop, and grow by reconfiguring the old bathrooms and constructing an adjacent stage. 
Bar Harbor Bank has also been an outstanding ally for Coniston amidst the global pandemic. Their staff were instrumental in helping Coniston navigate the Paycheck Protection Program more commonly known as PPP. Due to this partnership and effort, Coniston acquired funding to pay all its staff, including afterschool supervisors and employees throughout the 2019-2020 school year and summer. 

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Noah Kahan—Singer/Songwriter—Coniston: 2005-2012

At eight years old and having never been away from home for long, Noah was terrified to come to Camp. However, after his first summer, Camp became a huge part of his life—seeing old friends and the beautiful lake—“summer became synonymous with Coniston.”

After receiving a recording contract his senior year in high school, Noah pursued a career as a musician; he is enjoying a life which is a whirlwind of performing live on programs like Late Night with Stephen Colbert and Late Night with Seth Meyers, recording songs, and creating music around the world. 

“I would say that I use the social skills I learned at Coniston all the time. Meeting new people and cooperating in a group setting is difficult, and it’s something that Coniston taught me to do year after year. I believe those social skills have propelled me through the rest of my young adult life!

Coniston instilled confidence in my ability as a musician and person. I’ll never forget how excited I would be before every talent show… 

…I believe much of my identity was formed in the cabins in Boys Camp and on the docks of Boys Waterfront. I made lasting friendships on the wood panels of the Adirondack chairs, and slept under the stars on my overnights. What I remember most about Camp Coniston was the mythos of the place. Coniston was a place that survived in my mind on its reputation as a grounds for unexplainable magic that cast a spell on its campers, bringing them back every year. Coniston will always be a part of my life.”