Check out information below about donating to Autumn’s Kitchen for Giving Tuesday!
Connecting YOUth to Nature: Our Nawakwa’s Capital Campaign
At Our Nawakwa, we believe that time spent in nature helps young people grow healthier, more confident, and more connected. Through our Connecting YOUth to Nature Capital Campaign, we are building a solid foundation for Camp Nawakwa’s success as a youth camp for generations to come. The purchase of the camp property and operating and maintenance costs for the first five years are already funded. Essential upgrades to the dining hall and other key areas of camp are still to come.
With your support, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in the great outdoors. Together, we can create a space where young people build lifelong friendships, develop confidence, and discover the wonders of nature.
Join Us! Make a Difference Today!
Your contribution makes a lasting impact. By donating to the Connecting YOUth to Nature Capital Campaign, you help secure Camp Nawakwa’s future and give children the chance to experience the joy and adventure of the outdoors.
Donate today and help us connect youth to nature for generations to come.
DONATE ONLINE
Online donations can be easily and securely made through the website of the Community Foundation of Chippewa County. Simply click the Donate Online link below and fill out the form.
Please select Our Nawakwa Connecting Youth to Nature Pass-through Fund in the Designation field.
DONATE BY CHECK
Donations can be written to: Community Foundation of Chippewa County
With the Memo: Our Nawakwa CYTN Pass-thru Fund.
And mailed to: Community Foundation of Chippewa County, PO Box 153, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
DOWNLOAD OUR NAWAKWA’S “CONNECTION YOUTH TO NATURE” PLEDGE CARD
Giving Tuesday at Camp Nawakwa!
What began as a heartfelt wish to honor Autumn—just as Jayna is honored at the waterfront and Haylee and her mom, Sara, are honored through Art Hollow—has grown into Autumn’s Kitchen, one of the most transformative projects within Our Nawakwa’s Connecting Youth to Nature Capital Campaign.
Each of the girls, and Sara, who were lost on 11–3–18 while completing a roadside cleanup with their Girl Scout troop, are remembered in ways that continue to bring joy, healing, and purpose to camp. Jayna, Haylee, and Sara already have special spaces at Nawakwa that preserve their legacy; Autumn’s Kitchen will do the same.
Autumn’s Kitchen—named in memory of Autumn Helgeson, whose giving spirit and service-centered heart continues to inspire—will become the renewed center of nourishment, gathering, and belonging for large groups and events at camp.
PROJECT PROGRESS & NEEDS
The first phase—a commercial range, convection oven, and mop sink was installed and ready for summer 2025. Next steps include completing the full renovation of the kitchen, first opened in the 1970’s, including a walk-in cooler, winterization, a bathroom, and other space improvements.
Total project cost: $120,000 – $50,500 already given or pledged. We need you.
Giving Tuesday Match: Every dollar given up to $24,500 is matched—it’s like doubling your giving.
“This kitchen will serve youth nearly year-round,” says Sherry Jasper, Board President and Capital Campaign Co-Chair. “Autumn made every day better by spreading sunshine and kindness, and this project allows her legacy to keep giving.”
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CONTEXT
Part of the Connecting Youth to Nature Capital Campaign, the community has given nearly $1.5 million of the $2.3 million campaign goal. Campaign priorities include:
• Camp purchase – completed
• Basic operations & overhead – completed
• Autumn’s Kitchen – $120,000 total, $75,000 already given or pledged
• Truck – $30,000
• Lower camp latrine/emergency shelter – $30,000
• Energy efficiency upgrades – $80,000
Significant early momentum—from youth-group growth to facility upgrades—has already taken root. Completing the vision requires broad community support as Camp Nawakwa enters its 90th year.
HOW TO GIVE
GIFTS BY CHECK
Make payable to: Community Foundation of Chippewa County (CFCC)
Mail: CFCC, PO Box 153, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Memo/Notes: ON Autumn’s Kitchen or ON Connecting Youth to Nature
GIFTS ONLINE
Donate securely at: https://www.yourlegacyforever.org/donate/
• Choose Our Nawakwa Connecting Youth to Nature from the fund list
• Add ON Autumn’s Kitchen in the notes
www.ournawakwa.org 