Gilchrist Foundation Helps Bring Sensory Garden to Bloom

Camp High Hopes is a nonprofit organization located in Sioux City, Iowa that offers year-round therapeutic recreation programs and respites designed to enrich the lives of youth and adults with diagnosed disabilities, chronic illnesses and other special needs. When the organization wanted to expand its offerings, the Gilchrist Foundation stepped up to help. 

In 2018, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded Camp High Hopes with a $20,000 grant to fund its Sensory Garden and outdoor classroom project. In September 2020, the organization officially cut the ribbon to the new garden. 

The New Sensory Garden

The sensory garden features a water table, paint panels, a wheelchair swing and drums, all designed to stimulate the senses. While the garden wasn’t officially completed until fall, campers were able to enjoy parts of it throughout the summer. They competed on the light and sound game “The Pulse Tempo,” created temporary masterpieces on the paint panels, made some awesome tunes on the instruments and splashed in the water table.

Camp High Hopes Enriches the Lives of People with Special Needs 

Thanks to the support from donors like the Gilchrist Foundation, the community, parents, volunteers, and partners, the Sensory Garden is just one of the life-changing therapeutic recreation activities offered to the individuals who need them the most. Camp High Hopes’ specialized programs include experiences in archery, canoeing, and nature education, among others, for individuals and groups with Autism, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy and other intellectual and physical disabilities. Camp High Hopes is accredited by the American Camp Association.

About the Gilchrist Foundation

The mission of the Gilchrist Foundation is to further the philanthropy of its founder, Jocelyn Gilchrist, and her family with an emphasis on fostering the long-term viability of the charity and enabling special projects rather than supplies current operating funds.

The Foundation makes gifts to pre-selected charitable organizations that further its mission. Interests considered for funding include Wildlife & Conservation, Arts & Public Broadcasting and Disaster Relief. Each spring several charities whose missions and interests match those of the Gilchrist Foundation are invited to submit applications for one of three types of grants: capital campaign grants, endowment grants, or special projects.

If your organization wishes to be considered for an invitation to apply for grant, please submit the REQUEST FOR INVITATION. The annual grant cycle begins in April, with consideration of invitations for grant application, and ends in mid-July with the announcement of awards.