Dear Sherwood Forest Family~
As I write this, snow blankets the ground at camp, but Sherwood Forest staff are eagerly preparing for our campers who will be with us in just a few short months. With the final preparations on our new buildings, this promises to be an exciting year of adventures for all of our young people.
I want to officially share some news about a change that will occur this at the end of this year. At the end of December 2019, I will retire from Sherwood Forest and end my tenure as Executive Director. I will have spent 53 wonderful years with this organization – the first 12 years as a camper and then summer staff member, and 40+ more as a member of the year-round staff.
Because we have an incredible team and amazing community support, Sherwood Forest has flourished. Our campers are the true beneficiaries. Their summers at Sherwood Forest provide the cornerstone in the foundation of positive growth and development that every child needs and deserves. Our programs and long-term relationships with our campers provide critical supports and opportunities that all young people need to thrive and be successful in school, work, and life.
This end of my work life at Sherwood Forest marks but one moment. In this last year, I cannot help but reflect on the history of Sherwood Forest, across its span of 80+ years, and of my time here.
Most importantly, I am reflecting on the relationships with those closest to our mission, and that I treasure so deeply. I hold so dearly your commitment to this mission. My deepest fear and fondest wish are almost the same. Please understand that even as I am retiring from working at Sherwood Forest, I will never stop loving and believing and supporting its work. And I ask you to stay the course in your commitment to and your support of Sherwood Forest, for all the kids whose futures matter- for them, for me, for you, for our community. This work continues!
With deepest gratitude,
Mary M. Rogers