As the year winds down and we reflect on the impact so many people have made, we are filled with gratitude and excitement for everything we've accomplished together. This year, thanks to the generosity of our incredible sponsors and donors, we can continue to make significant improvements to Camp Green Meadows like additions and renovations to the cafeteria and women’s facilities, and continue the vision to expand opportunities for our campers. From new facilities and enhanced programming in our 60th year, your continued support will play a vital role in making all of this possible.
With the return of our Arts Grants, we've been able to provide experiences throughout the county for Merced County schools and districts based on their needs and requests. Requests varied from bringing in ARTree or other professional artists, starting family paint nights, expanding wardrobes for current programs, and starting a lunch arts and crafts club to offer activities for students who may need a different outlet.
We also want to take a moment to thank our sponsors for their ongoing partnership. Your support ensures that we can continue to create nurturing environments where kids can grow, learn, and explore their passions. This year's improvements and outreach would not have been possible without your generosity.
Please send your donation to: MCE Foundation, PO Box 1 Merced, CA 95341
Donate online with QR code below or www mcoe org/donate2mcef
Program Updates Camp Green Meadows is 60!
In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Camp Green Meadows Outdoor School hosted a special Family Day, which welcomed nearly 100 former and future campers along with their families Many former employees also attended to see the new facilities and reminisce about their time supporting generations of campers and counselors.
The event offered a day of outdoor adventure and fun, with activities such as hiking, rock wall climbing, crafts, and a lunch prepared by current Camp Green Meadows staff.
Originally known as the Jack L. Boyd Outdoor School, Camp Green Meadows has provided outdoor education for generations of students, with many returning in high school to participate as counselors and gain leadership skills.
With the facilities aging, there is always a need for updates and additions The process has started on plans for expanding the kitchen and dining space and the current girls showers will be converted into new cabins and a new restroom facility will be added As new cabins are added and mattresses replaced in older cabins, thicker mattresses will be purchased that make the stay a little easier on campers of all abilities The next item on the principal’s wishlist is a Sky Dome Planetarium to assist with astronomy lessons.
View the 60th Anniversary Family Day Video at www.mcoe.org/CGM60video or by using the QR code here.
VisualandPerformingArts
One of the highlights from this year was the return of the Arts Grants, which made it possible for schools to bring in guest instructors or enrich and expand their school programs in ways that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. With the help of these grants, we were able to provide students with access to high-quality music and arts education, including workshops from professional artists, theater, and even a life changing trip to explore college & career opportunities in Southern California.
We have continued to support local arts organizations like the Merced Symphony Children’s Concerts, UC Merced Opera for Children, and the Merced County Honor Choir to ensure that students are exposed to performances that inspire and educate, reinforcing the importance of creativity in all aspects of life.
We look forward to the expansion of the Merced County Honor Choir as it becomes the Merced County Performing Arts Festival. While it will still include a choir made up of high school students from around the county, a special guest conductor, and a local choir showcase, there will also be increased participation from theatre and film clubs from around the county.
Join us February 8, 2025 at 6PM for a free night of performances at the Merced Theatre for the Merced County Performing Arts Festival
Retired Teacher Gail Wills and his wife create their wood cookies with their “nature names” with Noelle Chandler. Mr. Wills was part of the first group of employees at CGM 60 years ago.
Program Updates
2024 Arts and Outdoor Education Fundraiser
Nearly 130 people attended the Merced County Education Foundation (MCE Foundation) fundraiser, where more than $23,000 was raised in support of Camp Green Meadows Outdoor School facilities and mattress improvements for campers of all abilities. The fundraiser also supported arts education programs such as the Merced Symphony Children’s Concerts, UC Merced’s Opera for Children, and the Golden Valley Theatre & Film Program.
During the event, Amber Kirby, Merced County Teacher of the Year and Golden Valley High School Theater Teacher, highlighted her Arts, Media, and Entertainment Career Technical Education pathway and emphasized the importance of arts education and supporting students interested in arts-related careers.
The event also recognized Jim, Carlene, and Kelly Cunningham for their service to United Cerebral Palsy of Central California and their support for Camp Mountain High, which has supported groups of campers with week-long camping trips to Camp Green Meadows for many years.
Rob and Andrea Baptie of The HateDust Project received special recognition for their generosity and support for nearly a decade. The Bapties have donated more than $75,000 throughout the years to support Camp Green Meadows.
Title sponsors for the event included The HateDust Project, Tinetti Realty Group, Educational Employees Credit Union, and Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union. Steve Tinetti of Tinetti Realty Group also challenged the crowd to donate and agreed to match donations up to $5,000.
Congratulations to the 2024 Scholarship Awardees
Mariana Campos - Evelyn Eagleton HS (Le Grand High School)
Sandra Estrella - Evelyn Eagleton HS (Delhi High School)
Xitlali Muniz - Evelyn Eagleton HS (Atwater Valley Community School)
