Sherwood Forest is thrilled to announce the completion of its Way More Than Camp capital campaign, with the fundraising goal not only met, but exceeded. Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors throughout the region and nation, Sherwood Forest raised a total of $7,202,282 – more than a million dollars over the original goal. This success ensures Sherwood Forest’s expanded impact in the community, evidence-based programs and school-year outreach to children from low-income families and underserved communities in the St. Louis area.

“The success of this campaign is having a transformational impact on Sherwood Forest,” said Mary Rogers, the organization’s executive director. “The ongoing construction work will allow us to welcome more campers into our programs each year. Plus, we’ll have new and improved learning spaces, which will allow Sherwood Forest’s programs to continue to evolve and become even more meaningful for our kids.”

The money raised throughout the Way More Than Camp campaign enables a much-needed facility expansion at the organization’s 478-acre campsite outside Lesterville, Missouri. Specific projects include a new dining hall where all campers can eat together, new residential cabins for campers and counselors, an outdoor learning center with a library, and STEM labs. The funds raised also include a $1 million endowment fund to help ensure Sherwood Forest’s long-term financial sustainability and to serve as the foundation for future planned-giving efforts. Additionally, Rural Development Partners, a community development entity (CDE) with a mission to revitalize rural America, contributed a portion of their New Market Tax Credit allocation in support of Sherwood Forest.

Sherwood Forest is one of only three accredited camps in the nation that offers month-long residential camp experiences for youth growing up in poverty with school year follow up programs as well. One hundred percent of Sherwood Forest campers go on to graduate from high school, and nine out of 10 escape generational poverty as adults. More young people apply to Sherwood Forest annually than there are spaces available; the expansion made possible by this successful campaign means that kids will not be turned away. By 2020, Sherwood Forest will be able to serve 400 campers each summer.

“The results of this campaign are a testament to the generosity of our Sherwood Forest community,” said Marjorie Melton, co-chair of the Way More Than Camp campaign. “With each gift, both large and small, our supporters ensured the future of our programs and the future of our kids. We are incredibly grateful to our donors, from individuals to foundations to corporations.”

To learn more about Sherwood Forest or to get involved, please visit www.sherwoodforeststl.org. To learn more about the Way More Than Camp campaign itself, and to see a complete list of donors, please visit www.waymorethancamp.org.