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 to provide scholarships for over 100 local families -by the end of April. 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 benefitted 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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For Lara’s family, ICG’s scholarship made all the difference in their ability to participate in ICG programs. “With the income gap getting wider and Ithaca’s housing and living costs rising, it’s difficult to show need in a space like childcare costs,” she shared. “ICG has all the fundamental values we look for in a childcare program, but we would have been unable to afford the camps without the scholarship fund.”

“Now we are able to have our children experience the excellent and unique values ICG upholds while also comfortably being able to pay for our living expenses.”

Lara describes her children’s experiences at ICG as transformative. “My eldest calls himself a ‘nature boy’ and comes home covered in mud, dirt, and a big smile on his face whenever he attends ICG camps,” she told us. Meanwhile, her youngest, who is gender fluid, has found a safe and affirming space in ICG’s inclusive community. “Both children love playing outside with other kids from different neighborhoods and backgrounds, feeling safe, seen, and included.”

One memory that stands out is when her eldest came home with a sweet potato seedling, excited to nurture it and watch it grow. But for Lara, an even deeper moment of connection happened when their family first moved to Ithaca. “The first week we were in town, we had gotten into a week at ICG. When we came to sign in, we found that the lead camp director was non-binary. My father is trans, and even two years ago, we suspected our youngest was not cis, so to see representation in such a meaningful way made me tear up.” Coming from a more conservative-leaning area, it was a relief to see ICG align so closely with her values of inclusion and representation.

Beyond the garden gates, the lessons Lara’s children have learned at ICG carry into their everyday lives. “Absolutely — the idea of being outdoors in all weather, being kind, inclusive, and welcoming to all humans are all values that my children have learned from ICG.”

She first discovered ICG’s Scholarship Fund while exploring the website, and she encourages other families to consider applying. “ICG is an absolute staple of the Ithaca community and a program that has become unquestioned in our household. We always know we have at least two weeks of Children’s Garden to look forward to.”

Stories like Lara’s affirm why scholarships are so vital to ICG’s mission. Every child deserves the chance to climb logs, stomp in puddles, 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 upto $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 get a little muddy.