For many children, summer camp is a chance to try something new, make friends and create memories that last a lifetime. Thanks to the generosity of local physicians Dr. Tim McFarren and Dr. Sandra Koch, more children in the Carson City community have had the opportunity to experience those moments this summer.

The doctors provided scholarships through the WNC Foundation for local children to attend Western Nevada College's Kids College Summer Sports Camps, helping ensure that financial barriers would not prevent young people from participating in the program.

Four camps have already been completed, and the scholarship funds have been fully claimed for the remaining July 27-31 camp session, demonstrating the strong need for opportunities like these in the community.

“We read about the program in the news, and it sounded like a really great program,” Koch said. “It’s great for kids to have the opportunity to discover new interests and spend time together in a fun environment.”

WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe expressed his appreciation for the doctors' generosity and its impact on local families.

“At Western Nevada College, we believe experiences outside the classroom can have a powerful impact on a child's development,” Dalpe said. “The generosity of Dr. Koch and Dr. McFarren is helping open doors for children who might otherwise miss out on these opportunities. Their support is encouraging fitness, friendship, confidence and community engagement while helping create the kind of memorable summer experiences that children carry with them for years to come. We are incredibly grateful for their investment in our community's young people.”

WNC Continuing Education Community Education Manager Lauren Slemenda Moore said the scholarships have made a meaningful difference for families and allowed more children to participate.

“The donated scholarships had an immediate and lasting impact on local families,” Slemenda Moore said. “This gift gave children the opportunity to experience new activities, build friendships and discover interests they may not have encountered otherwise. We are so grateful for their belief that every child deserves the chance to participate. Seeing these scholarships claimed so quickly shows just how important these opportunities are to families in our community.”

Through WNC Continuing Education's partnership with Skiing is Believing, Kids College Summer Sports Camps provide an energetic and supportive environment where children ages 8-14 can stay active while exploring a wide variety of activities.

Campers participate in activities including mountain biking, hiking, martial arts and jiu-jitsu, softball and baseball, archery, general fitness, flag football and inline skating. The program also incorporates community service experiences, giving children opportunities to connect with their community while learning the importance of helping others.

All activities are led by Skiing is Believing staff and sport-specific coaches who create a welcoming environment for children of all experience levels. Camp sessions run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended care available from 8-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. Full-week and single-day openings are available for the final camp. Visit https://wnc.edu/continuing-education to register your child.

The scholarships have all been awarded for the remaining summer camp. This generosity has helped demonstrate the profound difference that community philanthropy can make in the lives of local children. WNC welcomes anyone interested in sponsoring a scholarship for next summer to contact the WNC Foundation at 775-445-3240 and foundation@wnc.edu.

“We heard from (WNC Chief Advancement Officer and the WNC Foundation Executive Director) Niki Gladys that the scholarships had all been granted, and she shared some big smiles,” Koch said. “She and her team do an amazing job of putting donations to good use. We are quite grateful to have been able to help include children who would not otherwise have been able to attend and share this experience.”

For more information about WNC Continuing Education programs, phone 775-445-4210 or email conted@wnc.edu.