At Ithaca Children’s Garden, we believe every child deserves the chance to explore, play, and grow — regardless of their family’s financial situation. That’s why our annual Scholarship Fund Campaign has an ambitious goal of raising $54,000 by the end of April to provide scholarships for over 100 local families. These scholarships ensure that cost is never a barrier to children experiencing the joy of nature, hands-on learning, and unstructured play.

This month, we spoke with parents whose children have benefited from ICG scholarships. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when every child has the opportunity to grow in nature.

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As a first-time parent, Marina was understandably nervous about sending her child into the world of early education. “[I worried about] how she would be received,” she told us. “[But] her teachers really loved her and missed her when she was gone. They understood her so well and were there to guide her, inspire her, and build her confidence.”

Thanks to the scholarship, her daughter was able to attend the full PNE program, building not just friendships with peers, but lasting bonds with trusted adults like her teachers, Kelsey and Jason. “My child is very careful about who she opens up to and who she trusts. She is more vulnerable than other kiddos,” Marina explained. “[But] because Kelsey and Jason have such an incredible understanding of child development and deeply feeling kids, she was able to build a genuine relationship with grown-ups outside the home.” Without the scholarship, her participation would have been limited to just one day a week, not nearly enough time to develop the connections that became so meaningful to her. 

One moment that stands out? A day on the rope net. “She was a little nervous climbing the rope structure and trusting her own body,” her mom shared. “Jason did the perfect combination of being there for her and giving her the space to be brave and do it on her own until she felt safe and confident to climb all by herself.”

The skills and confidence her daughter gained at ICG go far beyond the Garden. “When we come home to our farm, my child knows what plants she can forage and what is not safe,” Marina said. “ICG built a solid foundation for my child emotionally, physically, and socially to attend Kindergarten, where she is now thriving.”

To families considering applying for a scholarship, she offers this: “There are a lot of wonderful early education options in Ithaca for children. However, there are few that allow children to spend so much time outdoors, learn about gardening, and have the freedom to get muddy and silly in the Anarchy Zone.”

Stories like Marina’s affirm why scholarships are so vital to ICG’s mission. Every child deserves the chance to climb rope nets confidently, bond with their educators, and discover the wonders of the natural world. But we can’t do it alone. Right now, your gift can make an even greater impact. If you donate by April 30, your contribution will be doubled thanks to a matching challenge up to $27,000. We need every penny to meet the community need. Your support directly funds Tompkins County families.

Join us in making sure every child has the chance to play, learn, and climb higher:

Give to Scholarship Fund