Angela Campbell welcomed members for a Zoom only regular meeting.
Angela welcomed the group and Kurt Soderberg reminded all members that the Board has proposed a set of changes to the Bylaws, one clerical, and one giving potential membership discounts. Please review and we will ask for a vote prior to February 6th meeting.
Heather Cavalier - Ely Middle School English Teacher discussing Camp Atsokan.
Heather Cavalier presented a wonderful overview of the writing camp - Camp Atsokan - that is encouraging Ely School girls to begin their writing journeys. 2022 will be the third year for this camp, located on Atsokan Island on Rainy Lake. The Rotary Club of Ely has donated $800 for one full scholarship to this retreat that hosted 10 Ely girls in 2020, 14 in 2021, and perhaps as many as 20 in 2022, but including Tower and Babbitt.
This historic island resort is a perfect place for girls to come and learn from authors Mary Casanova and Margi Preus, both prolific writers and teachers of the profession. Heather is assisted by Molly Olson, also an Ely teacher, and they oversee this learning and writing retreat. The girls are tutored individually and in group sessions and develop support systems for helping to express themselves.
The girls are learning also how to write grant proposals to help assist in the costs of the retreat. They have many fundraisers to allow them to get as many girls as possible there, some who cannot afford the tuition without help.
Yet another great program offered by the Ely community and school system for our youth. Thanks to Heather, as well as student Julia Stouffer who shared her personal experience and learnings.
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