Onaway
Philanthropy
Philanthropy and service are part of the fabric of the Onaway community. The girls learn at a young age the rewards of giving. Throughout the summer, the campers and counselors contribute to their own philanthropic fund called The Girls of Onaway. Proceeds from the Onaway Fair and chapel collections are deposited into this special fund. At the end of the summer, the girls decide how the money is to be donated. The girls make a point to give locally, domestically and globally. Generally, they support causes connected to girls’ education, healthcare and the environment. Below is a sampling of the causes they support.
Onaway Camp Trust - Scholarship Fund
Provides Onaway tuition assistance to families with demonstrated need. Camp Onaway provides girls the time, space, and guidance to develop the physical and spiritual strengths necessary to meet the challenges of today’s world with honesty, sensitivity, and courage.
Onaway Fair raises money for the Girls of Onaway fund
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Circle Program
Founded in 1982 by Onaway alumnae and trustees, The Circle Program is now an independent nonprofit organization serving at-risk New Hampshire girls. Through a unique combination of summer camp and year-round mentoring, Circle provides girls new opportunities to learn the skills, courage and confidence they need to handle the challenges in their lives.
Carol Southall, former Onaway Director, Circle Founder and Trustee Emeritus writes:
“The Circle Program is the embodiment of all that is good about Onaway. It has given girls from resource-poor families the chance to share the beauty of the outdoors and the lifelong friendships that have made the Onaway community so powerful through the years. For the Onaway girls, it has brought a focus for giving and sharing that is personal and dear to them. It adds a whole new dimension to their summer experience.”