Ijams celebrates new summer camp program, Sertoma grant

Ijams Executive Director Paul James accepts a $50,000 check, the first installment of the new grant,  from Randy Reagan of the West Knox Sertoma Club

Last Tuesday, Ijams was thrilled to celebrate a generous donation from the West Knoxville Sertoma Club in support of our Getting Kids Outdoors program. 

Over the next two years, Ijams will receive $100,000 to provide outdoor adventure camps for kids in traditionally under-served communities. As the leading provider of engaging outdoor experiences in the Knoxville area for many years, Ijams has the experience and credibility to make a difference in the lives of children who do not have access to parks. 

These new summer camps will give children ages 8-13 the opportunity to explore, bike, paddle, climb, track wildlife and other nature-related activities that can be life-changing. Through these immersive programs, campers will be better engaged to understand the natural world and their role in conserving it. The camps will be co-hosted by River Sports Outfitters and the Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley.

The announcement event also welcomed representatives from some of our community partners, including Randy Reagan (West Knoxville Sertoma Club), The Honorable Judge Tim Irwin (Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley) and Ed McAllister (River Sports Outfitters). 

In addition, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, Knoxville City Councilman Finbarr Saunders and Knox County Commissioner Mike Brown offered congratulations and support for this exciting new endeavor.

Ijams Nature Center would also like to thank the following partners for their support of Getting Kids Outdoors: 

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, Horny Toad Activewear and Pelican International. 

- Story by Jennifer Roder

Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett welcomes partners to South Knoxville. With (left to right) Judge Tim Irwin, Amanda Brummerstedt of the Boys and Girls Club of East Tennessee, Ijams Board President Karyn Adams, Ijams Executive Director Paul James, Hope Buttitta of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and Brian Bane with Pelican International. 

Knoxville City Councilman Finbarr Saunders

The Honorable Judge Tim Irwin representing the Boys and Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley speaks of the kids these camps will help

Ed McAllister with River Sports Outfitters

Ijams Board President Karyn Adams looks forward to the summer camps