ENDOWMENT FUNDS
At Camp Merrie-Woode, our endowment funds play a crucial role in ensuring that future generations of young girls can experience the magic of camp. By supporting these funds, you help us continue our legacy of empowering and inspiring young women in a beautiful, nurturing environment!
general
The Merrie-Woode Endowment Fund Honoring Former Board Chairs
A general, unrestricted endowment fund to support Merrie-Woode’s operational budget. Established through the Centennial Campaign, this fund was created to honor the outstanding individuals who have stepped forward to serve as board chair, and we are pleased to honor their service to Merrie-Woode through this fund.
To date, the following individuals have served as board chair:
John Kinnett (in memoriam)
Pete Hendricks (in memoriam)
Bill Kemp (in memoriam)
Beanie Lohmeyer Stout (in memoriam)
Carla Hulsey Simmons
Bill Pippin (in memoriam)
Nancy Conkle Swann
Mary Jane Scott Trimble
Liz Counce Irwin
Elizabeth Keenan Thompson
Clair Freeman Marshall
programming
General programming endowment fund
Established in 2016 to underwrite the costs of providing the high caliber programs for which Merrie-Woode has come to be known.
the dameron family foundation endowment fund
Established in 2018 to ensure the highest level of staff training is always in place. Merrie-Woode intends to maintain its reputation as a leader in high adventure programming and expert horsemanship, with a sharp focus on safety where campers and staff are concerned.
The ginger somerville hallock endowment fund
Established in 2021 in honor of Ginger Somerville Hallock to support programming, staffing, camperships, and other initiatives advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at Merrie-Woode.
the hugh caldwell chamber music endowment fund
Established in 2017 through a trust created by Hugh Caldwell ensuring that Merrie-Woode summers will always include classical chamber music.
CAMPERSHIPS
GENERAL CAMPERSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND
A general, restricted endowment fund to support need-based full and partial tuition scholarships for families whom tuition is out of reach. Established through the Centennial Campaign, this fund was created to honor the Merrie-Woode experience and ensure that it is available to a broader socio-economic range of families, including alumnae families.
THE BETTY AND JOHN KINNETT ENDOWMENT FUND
An individual, restricted endowment fund to support and enable Merrie-Woode to serve families for whom tuition is out of reach. Established through the Centennial Campaign, this fund was created by the Kinnett daughters to honor their parents’ contributions to the founding of Camp.
THE FRITZ AND AUGUSTA ORR ENDOWMENT FUND
An individual, restricted endowment fund to support and enable Merrie-Woode to serve families for whom tuition is out of reach. Established through the Centennial Campaign, this fund was created by a group of early campaign donors to honor the legacy of the Orr Family.
THE HARRIET MATTHEWS JACKSON ENDOWMENT FUND
An individual, restricted endowment fund to support and enable Merrie-Woode to serve families for whom tuition is out of reach. Established through a gift from the David Belk Cannon Foundation, this fund was created to honor an alumna who exemplified Merrie-Woode ideals throughout her life.
BUILDING PRESERVATION
THE DENICE AND JIM DUNN BUILDING PRESERVATION ENDOWMENT FUND
A general, restricted endowment fund to support the maintenance and preservation of Merrie-Woode’s treasured buildings. Established through the Centennial Campaign, this fund was created to honor former Directors, Jim and Denice Dunn, who oversaw major property improvements, setting a new standard of excellence for preservation at Merrie-Woode.
CONSERVATION
THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
ENDOWMENT FUND
A general, restricted endowment fund to support the preservation of Merrie-Woode’s natural environment. Established through the Centennial Campaign in 2016, this fund was created to ensure the protection of Merrie-Woodes 400 acres of woodlands and their inhabitants, as they make an indelible impression on each camper’s experience.
Eve and Sherwood Smith Family Endowment for Environmental Preservation
Established in 2025 to support preservation projects that help protect and maintain Camp’s natural environment for years to come.
