Letter from Boaz

Dear Willowbrook Friends and Family,

Willowbrook's 28th summer has come and gone, and I can honestly say it was one of my most memorable years. In the film tent, we produced our most ambitious movie yet - The Epic Willowbrook Musical - featuring ten original songs written and composed at camp and starring hundreds of campers. We put on another series of amazing plays and musicals with fantastic costumes, incredible sets, and our first revolving stage! And at assembly on the last day, I got a little teary-eyed as we opened up an inspiring time capsule that was created and sealed ten years ago in Willowbrook's Peace Tent. Some things at Willowbrook have changed, but it's even more amazing how much has stayed the same. The time capsule was filled with photos, poems, stories, surveys, and books of handprints made by Villagers in 1999 - many of whom are still at camp today working as apprentice and college assistants. It was a wonderful way to end the summer.

But Willowbrook doesn't really end that first Friday in August. Even after the last Pata Pata's been danced and Richard and his crew have taken down the tents, the friendships and connections continue into the year through memories, letters, phone calls, care packages, and even online. On Facebook the other night, I noticed some campers starting the countdown already - "Only 8 months till Willowbrook!" It's amazing that a six week summer experience can impact the rest of the year so profoundly.

It's hard to pinpoint all the ways that Willowbrook has influenced me, but I know my experiences in that tent-filled field in Tualatin are responsible for shaping me creatively and socially. Willowbrook taught me to take chances, collaborate, think creatively, make lasting friendships, and even how to catch a frog. Even though I haven't actually lived in Portland for nearly ten years, I've managed to make it back to Willowbrook nearly every year. It's honestly hard to think of spending a summer day anywhere else.

In addition to being a creative wonderland, Willowbrook also manages to be one of the most affordable camps in the area. We want everyone to be able to have this unique arts experience, and this year we even offered a tiered payment plan so that the recent economic hardship wouldn't keep anyone away from camp. Unfortunately, camp tuition doesn't always cover all the costs of operation. Due to a number of circumstances this year, including the recession and a major heat wave during week five, we ended the summer with a deficit of over $30,000. Though we have a small reserve fund, it's important that we recoup this money quickly so that we can keep Willowbrook sustainable and start planning for next summer.

With your help, we will not only open our gates to hundreds of creative children next summer, we will be able to make much needed upgrades. Our old army tents are on their last legs, and we need to purchase a few replacements. After another summer of performances, our musical instruments are due for repair and replacement. We would also love to expand our collection. Our scholarship funds were depleted quickly this summer, and we hope to raise enough to be able to invite even more people to join us next year.

We realize that money's tight these days, but every dollar really does count. Your donation of $500, $250, $100, $50, or just $10 will ensure that your child and hundreds of others can continue to have extraordinary art-filled summers for many years to come. Or, you can make a monthly donation on our website at www.willowbrookartscamp.org. It's only thanks to you that Willowbrook magically appears that last Monday in June every summer. We know this summer will be no different, and we hope to see you there!

To donate online, click here.

To donate by mail, please send your donations to:

Willowbrook
PO Box 3546
Tualatin, OR 97062

Please return your donation by December 31st. Thanks for your generosity, and I'll see you at Browns Ferry Park.

Boaz Frankel
Former Willowbrook Camper/Filmmaking Specialist

P.S. Don’t forget, your gift to Willowbrook is tax deductible! We are part of Oregon Cultural Trust, and continue to be an active participant on their list of eligible non-profits for this tax season. For more information on the gift match and additional tax credit, visit www.culturaltrust.org.

Willowbrook is a non-profit organization. EIN # 93-0722365