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We are writing to you with open hearts.

 

This past year stretched us in ways we did not anticipate. Campbell Farm has weathered ongoing and often unexpected challenges—setbacks that came one after another and stretched our resources further than we imagined. It has been a season that required patience, resilience, and more faith than we sometimes felt we had.

 

Enjoying summer camp with laughter, learning, and new friendships in the shade.
Enjoying summer camp with laughter, learning, and new friendships in the shade.

And still, the work continues. We are still preparing meals. Still welcoming youth. Still tending the land. Still showing up.

 

Campbell Farm has always been far more than just buildings or programs. It is the sound of laughter during summer camp, little hands in the soil, shared meals at large tables, and most importantly, a place where youth and families feel they belong. That has not changed.

 

At the same time, we want to be honest about where we stand.

 

Right now, we are facing an urgent need of nearly $80,000 in immediate property repairs and safety upgrades. These aren’t upgrades for growth. They’re the repairs we need simply to stay insured, meet local and state safety codes, and keep our doors open. Without addressing them, our ability to continue operating safely is at risk.

 

We’ve tightened budgets. We’ve leaned on partners. Staff and volunteers have given more than we could ask. We continue to offer programs as funding allows and to make careful, thoughtful decisions to move forward responsibly.

 

But this is a moment when we cannot do it alone.

 

To help make the need tangible, here is what the $80,000 represents:

  • $60,000 for roof repairs required for safety and insurance compliance

  • $11,000 for fire alarm system installation and compliance upgrades

  • $5,000 for electrical and safety improvements required for inspections

  • $1,000 for permits, inspections, and compliance costs that keep us operational

 

Every gift, whether it supports one of these needs directly or contributes toward the whole, moves us closer to stability. It keeps our doors open, protects the youth and families who gather here, and safeguards a place that means so much to so many.

 

If you are able, we ask you to consider standing with us now. A financial contribution makes an immediate impact. Sharing our message, connecting us to potential partners, volunteering your time, or simply helping spread the word also makes a difference. This is not only a fundraising moment; it is a community moment.

This season isn’t easy. And yet, we remain hopeful. Hope isn’t pretending things are easy; it’s continuing to care for the land and show up for youth. It’s believing that the community built around shared meals and shared responsibility will rise to meet this moment.

 

At Campbell Farm, everyone has a seat at our table, where there is always room for care, connection, and a shared meal.

 

Thank you for walking alongside us. Thank you for believing in this place. We are deeply grateful, and we are still growing forward—together.

 

Children at summer camp, donning sunglasses, gather under the shade as they look forward to lunchtime.
Children at summer camp, donning sunglasses, gather under the shade as they look forward to lunchtime.

With warmth and appreciation,

 

Campbell Farm Team

We thank you for walking this journey with us - we're so grateful for your continued support !




Beginning September 2025, our programs will be taking a short pause. This will give us time to establish our own nonprofit, strengthen our programs and policies, and build the financial foundation needed to support staff and serve our community in the best way possible.

This isn’t goodbye—it’s a step forward. When we return, we’ll be ready to provide even stronger, more consistent programs for youth and families. 💙


We will continue to monitor voicemails and emails throughout this time, if you have questions or concerns, please email us at hello@campbellfarm.net


We want to extend a special thank you to NESSP for featuring Campbell Farm and our Executive Director Dionna Bennett in the March Newsletter.


Read and share the full article below! We are still accepting 6th graders for our program if you would like to join please reach out to Sarah hello@campbellfarm.net



Located in Wapato, Washington on the Yakama Reservation, Campbell Farm is a non-profit that combines culture, science, and mentorship to provide educational opportunities for students. Through its dual partnership with UW Riverways and Northwest Earth and Space Sciences Pathways (NESSP), Campbell Farm offers a unique, holistic learning environment, particularly for middle school students. Dionna Bennett-Pimms, the Executive Director, shared her insights on the Farm’s impact, its challenges, and its future.


Dionna’s journey to Campbell Farm stems from her passion for helping students and her background in social work. Initially a special education teacher, Dionna became disillusioned with the traditional education system and sought an alternative where she could make a meaningful difference. As Executive Director, she oversees programs that focus on providing students with both academic and personal growth opportunities. Currently, the Farm serves 15 middle school students, primarily sixth graders, to ensure they can fully engage without the distraction of extracurricular sports.
What sets Campbell Farm apart is its integration of science with indigenous culture. Located on the Yakama Reservation, the Farm offers students modern scientific education while also immersing them in their cultural heritage. “Being on the Yakama Reservation allows us to bridge multiple cultures and connect science with tradition,” Dionna explained. This blend creates a comprehensive educational experience that honors both academic learning and cultural identity.
A standout feature at Campbell Farm is its mentorship program, where former students return to mentor current participants. Many former students are now attending universities like the University of Washington (UW), and their return to the Farm helps inspire the next generation. "It brings me so much happiness when students come back as mentors or get excited about going to UW," Dionna said. These mentorship relationships help students set academic goals and see the rewards of their hard work.
Despite its successes, Campbell Farm faces challenges typical of rural non-profits, such as limited access to technology and logistical issues like transportation. The rural location means reliable internet and technological resources are often scarce, hindering the Farm’s ability to provide all modern educational tools. Additionally, the Farm is currently down a vehicle, which affects transportation for students and staff. Nevertheless, Dionna and her team remain committed to overcoming these obstacles to continue serving the community.
Dionna is hopeful for the future of Campbell Farm, aiming for growth and greater access to students. "I hope in five years we’ll be a stronger non-profit and able to reach more students," she shared. As the Farm grows, its goal is to expand its impact, offering more opportunities for local students to thrive academically and personally.
Campbell Farm visit to University of Washington
Campbell Farm visit to University of Washington
At its heart, Campbell Farm is about more than just academics. It’s about fostering community, cultural pride, and providing opportunities for success. With the support of partners like NESSP and UW Riverways, Campbell Farm ensures that students not only excel academically but also build lasting connections within a supportive network. Dionna’s hope is that more students will discover this transformative program and benefit from its unique offerings. "The more people that learn about what we do, the more we can help these kids," Dionna concluded.

📞You can call our office M-Th for questions (509) 877-6413

✉️ Or email us at hello@campbellfarm.net

🖋️Donations can be made online clicking here or mailed to 2527 Campbell Rd Wapato, WA 98951


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