Ethan Runnels Scholarship

Ethan Runnels left a lasting impression on everyone he met through his kindness, gentle nature, and clever, playful humor. He lost his life to the White River in 2009, but his spirit and impact continue to impress and inspire those he called friends.

Ethan was a devoted practicioner of wilderness skills and an intuitive naturalist. The White Pine Wilderness Academy is an extension of his vision to share the value of the natural world to others, and this scholarship will enable a considerable number of area children to experience nature and wilderness skills in a way Ethan would appreciate - through self-reliance, respect, and awe.

The White Pine Wilderness Academy has been expanding the wilderness knowledge and experience of both children and adults for years. Our Summer Wild Camps are one of the most popular and important programs we offer. These camps introduce children to the natural world in a way that fosters a deep respect, expansive knowledge, and with a perspective of plenty towards nature. The camps foster cooperation, self-reliance, self-esteem, and emotional maturity through wilderness skills and organic immersion. 

The funds you contribute will be used in a scholarship created in Ethan's name, to allow financially disadvantaged children to attend the Wild Camps at the White Pine Wilderness Academy. 

Our initial fundraising goal of $5000 allows for 22 kids to attend the camps, but the more money we put into the scholarship will enable more kids to experience the valuable, restorative, respectful impact of understanding, experiencing, and protecting the natural, wild world. 

The White Pine Wilderness Academy carries on the tradition of Ethan Runnels and all those that came before us, to find our way back to a symbiotic relationship with the natural world for future generations. Your contributions will be a direct part of our legacy and security for all those still to come. 

www.whitepinewilderness.com