You may not know that nationally, YMCAs are the leading childcare provider. Here at the Central Lincoln County YMCA, we are not only among the leading childcare providers in Maine, but we will also be the first YMCA in the country to create a state-of-the-art, nature-based childcare center.
We're excited to introduce you to Discovery Village, an exciting new community childcare initiative that will make a BIG difference to local families. It is an innovative nature-based childcare center designed to nurture learning, growth, and belonging for the youngest members of our community.
We hope you will find real meaning in what we’re building and consider support of this incredible initiative to uplift our community children and families right here in Central Lincoln County.
PROJECT DETAILS
BUILDING DISCOVERY VILLAGE: A NATURE-BASED LEARNING ADVENTURE
After three years of dreaming, exploring, and planning, we’re thrilled to announce Discovery Village—our exciting new environmental childcare program right here on the main campus in Damariscotta!
At Discovery Village, the line between indoor and outdoor learning disappears! Kids will dive into hands-on fun like gardening, nature walks, and even whipping up tasty meals from their own garden veggies in the FARMS at the Y teaching kitchen. Add in a little storytelling magic and the cozy charm of the yurts, and you’ve got a rich, stimulating environment where every day is an adventure.
So, what’s Discovery Village all about? Picture this: four charming, interconnected yurts nestled in a beautiful garden setting, complete with a playground and direct access to the woods, meadows, and trails behind the YMCA. It’s a magical blend of nature and nurture!
YOUR GIFT MATTERS
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a BIG difference and an immediate impact in our community.
We need YOU to MAKE YOUR IMPACT TODAY to help us reach our 2024-2026 Capital Campaign goal and continue to support our community childcare needs.
Help us reach our provisional goal of $4,000,000 before June 1, 2026, and see your help in action every day!
MATCHING GIFTS CAN DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Many companies provide matching dollars for employee’s charitable contributions. To learn if your employer offers this benefit, please contact the Human Resources Department of your workplace.
COMMUNITY NEED & AFFORDABILITY
It’s important that families are able to afford childcare for their children. Financial ability should not determine the quality of that care. We believe that all children have the right to the best possible care and education — and we are confident that the Discovery Village nature-based learning adventure will provide it.
In Lincoln County, the median household income is $69,638. The average cost of care for one child is $13,260. This means that families are spending up to 20% of their income on childcare for a single child. As a result, few families in the county can afford to have two children in care.
Unfortunately, the $13,260 fee doesn’t even cover the full cost of providing childcare. This means the YMCA faces a financial loss each year while offering care to children in our community. When the program expands from 42 to 55 children in our care, we project a deficit of approximately $135,000.
Central Lincoln County YMCA helps each family according to their financial need and we strive to keep our childcare prices competitive and affordable, but there will always be a need for subsidies. This comprehensive campaign will enable the community to have an amazing Discovery Village campus and the best nature-based educational program with the most effective and caring staff.
WHAT MAKES OUR YURTS AWESOME?
Yurts are cozy, round structures made from sustainable, natural materials. They’re not only cheerful and welcoming but also create a calming, inclusive environment that kids adore. Plus, the circular design is way more fun than a traditional classroom.
Yurts are already a big hit in childcare settings across the country, thriving in all kinds of climates. Parents love them, kids love them—and we can’t wait for YOU to love them too!
The Central Lincoln County YMCA Discovery Village yurts will be:
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Fully Licensed, Fully Awesome!
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Our yurts meet all Maine childcare licensing requirements, so you can rest easy knowing we’ve got it covered.
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Natural Light Galore! With multiple windows all around and a skylight up top, these yurts are basically sunlight’s BFF. Hello, bright and happy learning spaces!
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Cozy Year-Round! Commercial-grade heating and cooling keep your little ones comfy, no matter what Maine weather throws our way.
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Fully Equipped! Each yurt has its own kitchen, washer/dryer, and restroom, all hooked up to the YMCA’s sewer system—because convenience is key.
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A Garden Wonderland! Picture this: a kid-friendly garden and a brand-new nature-inspired playground right outside the door. Let the outdoor adventures begin!
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Nature Connection! From meadows to woods to trails, these yurts are your child’s gateway to a world of exploration and discovery right behind the YMCA.
BENEFITS OF DISCOVERY VILLAGE
Multiple studies have demonstrated the need and benefits of environmental education for very young children.
A few of the strengths of this kind of education include (sources - Stanford University's studies report):
A life-long appreciation, respect and enjoyment of the natural world.
Being comfortable in the outdoors.
The development of critical thinking skills and place-based environmental education.
Increased learning in mathematics, science, language and literacy.
Enhanced social and emotional skills, and improved physical development.
Providing the foundation for more environmentally responsible and engaged adults.
SUBSIDIZING ANTICIPATED ANNUAL OPERATING LOSS
Because the actual cost of providing childcare is substantially higher than parents can afford, we need to create an on-going annual subsidy for the childcare program. We anticipate that each year the CLC YMCA will have to find more than $135,000 for the program and the YMCA to break even.
Currently, the YMCA carries a 2.2 million mortgage debt from the 2018 expansion/renovation. Servicing this mortgage requires an annual payment of $157,000. Our goal for the comprehensive campaign for the Discovery Village, is to eliminate this mortgage, thus providing an additional $157,000 in operating revenue each year which can be allocated to underwriting childcare losses. This change will also place the CLC YMCA in a much stronger financial position overall and accomplish a key strategic goal: eliminating all debt.
Successful completion of the Discovery Village comprehensive campaign will ensure the future of nature-based learning for the children in our region and also secure a successful future for the CLC YMCA.
NAMING & RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES
Naming of Discovery Village
$2,000,000 (one available)
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HOW YOU CAN GIVE
A number of options are available for how you can make your gift — including online (credit card or electronic fund transfer), by mail, in person or by phone.
Online
Make your gift online through our secure online giving system. Choose your designation, amount, and any additional information about your gift.
If choosing to make your gift by mail — please make your check payable to Central Lincoln County YMCA, add "Discovery Village" in the memo line, and send to the following address:
Central Lincoln County YMCA
Attn: Development
525 Main Street
PO Box 787
Damariscotta, ME 04543
Other Giving Options
Additionally, gifts can also be made through planned giving, securities, matching gifts, estate legacies, or real estate. For more information, please contact the Central Lincoln County YMCA Development Office at 207.563.9622 or kburke@clcymca.org.