I was very happy to read the Sun Journal article (Dec. 6) about OMNI Camp’s new Cliffside Lodge. As a teacher at Buckfield Junior/Senior High School, I have had the pleasure of knowing Betsy and Gar Roper and experiencing their generosity. For the past 10 years, we have taken our seventh- and eighth-grade students to OMNI Camp for our Catalyst Retreat.

In the fall, seventh-grade students and teachers spend time getting to know each other in an effort to ease the students’ transition from elementary to middle school. They focus on problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Each spring, our eighth grade participates in a retreat focused on facing challenges and goal setting as they prepare to begin their high school career.

The Ropers have always been very generous in sharing the campground with us. When we lost some of our funding for the retreat, they worked with us to find an equitable solution so we could continue to use their facility.

In these times of change and increased demands in public education, we are lucky to have such generous and visionary members of our community who continue to support students and teachers in positive and creative ways.

Tom Light, West Paris

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