Reconnecting Through Nature — The Power of ICG Scholarships

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 $55,000 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 caregivers 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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For Anya’s family, Ithaca Children’s Garden offered an early bridge back into the community during an uncertain time. As one of the first groups of young children to actively engage with peers at ICG after the onset of COVID-19, her children enrolled in the Playful Nature Explorers (PNE) program.

From the start, the program became a grounding rhythm in their week. Anya described the simple, vivid moments that stayed with her: “I can still envision the daily morning routine of one of our children — surrounded by birdsong and happy children’s voices, he would have his snack on the swing facing the inlet, watching the cars and morning commuters go by each day.” In that setting, nature and community were seamlessly intertwined.

It wasn’t only the environment that made an impact, but the relationships formed within it. Her children quickly built connections with peers — including a friendship that continues to this day — and found steady guidance in the program’s educators. Anya expressed deep gratitude for Kelsey and Jason, whose presence helped create a space where children felt both supported and free to explore.

Over time, those early experiences grew into something lasting. Both children continued to attend PNE and later participated in summer camps, returning year after year through scholarship support. “Each year, we have applied for scholarships and have been granted the opportunity to participate,” Anya shared. “We otherwise would not have been able to support their enrollment on our own.”

That consistency mattered. It allowed the children not only to return to a familiar and trusted space but also to deepen their relationship with the natural world. Anya reflected on how meaningful that has been in a time where children are often pulled indoors and toward screens: “I am thankful that our children recognize and appreciate the outdoors in a meaningful way.”

She also noted the broader developmental impact of those early experiences. “I sincerely believe that their early exposure to nature and community building in Playful Nature Explorers has helped them become better individuals overall — they are curious and interested in the world around them, and that has certainly been supported by the ICG team each year.”

For Anya’s family, scholarships made all of this possible. Without ICG’s support, she shared that participation would not have been feasible. “I am very thankful for ICG and the opportunities that the scholarship program has provided,” Anya shared. “This community support is essential for maintaining equitable access for children and families who otherwise may not be able to engage with outside programs.”

Stories like Anya’s remind us that scholarships do more than open a gate — they sustain relationships, nurture curiosity, and help children build lasting connections to the natural world and to each other.

But we can’t do it alone. Right now, your gift can make an even greater impact. If you make a gift by April 30, your contribution will be doubled thanks to a matching challenge up to $27,500. 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 grow.