The Ones Who Return
Before our summer begins at Base Camp Jimmy, alumni return to help prepare the grounds for the season ahead. Once participants themselves, they are now giving their time and effort alongside staff and fellow alumni, settling into the familiar rhythm of work, connection, and shared purpose. Work gloves come on. Coffee stays close by. Conversations pick up where they left off, like a well-worn trail rediscovered after winter, marking the return of another summer.
The Meaning Behind The Work
The work centers on caring for those who will arrive next: raising tipis, restoring sections of the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Trail, repairing spaces worn by winter, and preparing the grounds for future participants. Yet, what brings people back each year is seldom only the work.
Supporting Participants To Come
There is something powerful about returning to a place that once held space for you and then offering that same care to someone else.
Throughout the week, the work done here lays the groundwork for everything that will take place in the months ahead.
The value of the week lies in what is built through the process: connection, trust, purpose, and community. Meaning is often found in steady work, shared responsibility, and returning to the people and places that help ground us, not just the big moments.
A Special Thank You To Oboz
Thank you to our partner and neighbor, Oboz Footwear, for joining us for their annual volunteer efforts to clean up and maintain the SOCOM Trail. Their dedication to supporting The Station’s mission helps enrich the outdoor experience for our participants.
Last fall, Oboz also came to Base Camp Jimmy to document our Spouse Performance Program. This short film shows the incredible strength of military spouses and why programs like ours are critical to their well-being. We invite you to watch the film and see this transformative work in action.
Army Of Spokes Team Fundraiser
A team of distinguished leaders and veterans will ride RAGBRAI LII this July to raise critical funds for The Station Foundation. Among them is a former participant and mentor of The Crossing, our Gold Star summer camp, now riding to give back.
100% of donations support The Station’s programs for service members, veterans, spouses, children, and Gold Star Families.
They’re going the distance for our warriors and their families. Visit theirfundraising page to learn more and consider donating to help fuel the journey across Iowa.
Position Announcement
The Station Foundation is seeking an experienced Director of Development to lead and grow our fundraising efforts. We have retained the services of ThinkingAhead Executive Search. Interested applicants should send a resume and statement of interest to Heather Campbell, Partner and Executive Recruiter: hcampbell@thinkingahead.com. Here is a link to apply directly.
To learn more about supporting The Station, email Shannon Stacy at: sstacy@thestationfoundation.org
