May 31, 2023
Dear Friends of Camp Blue Spruce:
With gratitude, I want to share some exciting news. At the end of this summer’s overnight camp, and after a long career working for mission-driven organizations, I have decided it is time to step back, relax, and find new adventures. This is the right time to retire both for me personally and for the organization.
As we look for my successor, with the goal of ensuring a seamless transition, the Board of Directors has formed a search committee and retained a consultant this summer to navigate these next steps. I will collaborate with our team as they begin a robust search and organizational assessment. I look forward to seeing Camp Blue Spruce continue to thrive and grow with the support of our staff, volunteers, community partners, and contributors like yourself.
After more than ten years, we have accomplished so much together. Camp Blue Spruce has transformed to be more than a “fun place for canoeing, games and arts & crafts where kids with food allergies can eat.” It is also a safe space, where kids who are often excluded, can be their true selves, gain independence, and belong. I will always carry the stories of the families we’ve touched and the children whose lives we’ve changed in my heart.
Many thanks to all of you for your devotion, inspiration, and compassion. Your commitment to our community, Camp Blue Spruce, and to me, both professionally and personally, has meant so much. I am especially grateful to my family for their hard work, support and love.
What started with 27 campers for just one week has turned into two weeks of overnight camp, welcoming more than 150 kids. It has been thrilling to witness shy, 9-year-old campers mature and become young adult camp counselors who provide the same support and mentorship that they once received as children. Additionally, the reach of our organization has expanded to connect youth living with food allergies from all over the United States and Canada.
As a parting wish, I ask that you consider contributing to Camp Blue Spruce in celebration of the important work that our community has performed during my tenure, as well as supporting children and families in the future. Please donate to the Rudy Fund and help change children’s lives. We are busy preparing to make this summer’s camp the best camp ever. This fund will help children to enjoy the best camp ever for many more years to come.
Leading this organization has been an honor and the highlight of my career. It has been fulfilling to give my child and so many others the camp experience that meant so much to me. I’m privileged to have worked alongside you and am leaving at a time when Camp Blue Spruce is positioned for a bright future. I appreciate your many kindnesses, enthusiastic generosity and friendship and I hope you’ll continue – as I will – to be an active supporter and contributor.
See you around the campfire!
With great appreciation,
Louise Tippens
“Rudy Rutabaga Riversong”
Founder & Executive Director
CAMP BLUE SPRUCE
