Marcy & Bob Brower Campership Fund

​Dear Fellow ACA Illinois Members,

Almost 9 years ago, I moved back to the great state of Illinois. Once back in the area I called up my mentor and friend, Gordie Kaplan and asked how I could best serve as a volunteer for ACA Illinois. Just a few weeks later, I found myself sitting at Marcy Brower’s kitchen table learning how to plan a conference. 

I saw Marcy & Bob from afar each year at Mid States, but it wasn’t until I was sitting at their kitchen table and in planning meetings that I realized I was in the presence of extraordinary people.  While owning and directing Circle M Day Camp, the Browers are active members of ACA and model what true service means. The Browers led committees, served on our board and taught the next generation of camp directors. It was in their van that the idea of Mid States was sparked and a community was born. 

The Browers have always been and remain strong advocates for inclusivity and social change. Marcy & Bob have been active in the desegregation of camps and communities, the promotion of incluvisness of LGBTQ people in camp and ACA, and were persistent in making camp accessible to all children and adults. The Browers have showed us what it means to be focused on bettering not only camp, but also the world around us and the work required to do it. 

It is because of their life’s work and continued service to our community that the Marcy & Bob Brower Campership Fund has been established in their honor.  100% of the funds raised are used to provide camperships to children. The Browers have been regular supporters of our campership funds and we can think of no better way to thank them for their commitment to our mission than through this fund. 

This fund has already raised over $10,000 in less than two months! We have set a goal of $20,000 in its first year. I am asking our membership to please consider donating to this important fund. Your donation will help give a child a camp experience next summer.  

Donating to this fund was a simple way for me to demonstrate to them my deep appreciation. Will you join me in sending more children to camp next summer? Donations can be made directly online at www.acail.org/donate or by mail to ACA Illinois, 5 S Wabash Ave, Suite 1406, Chicago, IL 60603. Checks can be made payable to ACA Illinois and Brower Fund written on the memo line. 

Thank you for supporting the mission of ACA Illinois to get more kids to camp!

Yours in Camping,

Colette M. Marquardt
​
Executive Director
American Camp Association, Illinois

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