Vashon Wilderness Program will hold fundraiser at Camp Burton

The Vashon Wilderness Program will host “Mammal Mania,” its 2018 fundraiser extravaganza, at 5 p.m. Saturday April 21, at the Camp Burton Conference Center on Vashon.

The nonprofit wilderness program, established in 2007, has mentored more than 2,500 people of all ages to become more connected with themselves, each other and nature through wilderness exploration and immersion. Offerings have ranged from school-year programs and summer camps to workshops for adults, parent and educator trainings and free seasonal celebrations for all ages.

“Everyone is encouraged to dress-up in wild mammal wear,” said Stacey Hinden, executive director at the Vashon Wilderness Program, of Saturday’s gala. “Cougar tail? Raccoon mask? Deer ears? Whale fins? Let your imagination run wild.”

This year’s fundraiser aims to bring in further money to ensure that more youth, teens, adults and families can experience a connection with the Earth through participation in the Vashon Wilderness Program, which has awarded more than $158,000 in scholarships to islanders, according to Hinden.

“During these incredibly challenging times, VWP is committed more than ever to helping transform the loneliness, depression, anxiety, and attention challenges faced by our youth and teens,” she said. The Wilderness Program “is dedicated to giving adults the skills to help our youth become the kind of compassionate, peaceful, and joyful leaders our world so desperately needs.”

When participants spend time in nature, it “brings balance to their lives, and helps them to live and lead with joy, vitality, peace, and clarity of mind and heart,” Hinden said.

Guests at Saturday’s “Mammal Mania” event will be treated to foraged and farmed treats prepared by Pink Tractor Farm, drinks crafted from Vashon’s forest and herb gardens and scrumptious desserts at the Sweet Treat Trot.

Silent auction items include guided birding and hiking experiences, original works of art, clothing, toys, essential oils, custom kayak and e-bike tours, a personalized herb garden consultation, bodywork and healing sessions.

Tickets to “Mammal Mania” are $50 per person. Visit vashonwildernessprogram.org for tickets or more information.