GOLD2022

Learning Institute Inc

We read, we write, we learn

aka Camp Summerset   |   Goldens Bridge, NY   |  http://campsummeset.org

Mission

Our mission is to support children’s literacy and inspire a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. We foster acceptance in an inviting, creative environment designed to nurture potential, build confidence and discover joy in reading and writing.

Ruling year info

1994

Executive Director & Founder

JoAnn Ferrigno

Main address

PO Box 186

Goldens Bridge, NY 10526 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

13-3672142

NTEE code info

Child Day Care (P33)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

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Communication

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

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Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Camp Summerset

Camp Summerset is a fun, child-centered literary summer experience to improve reading and writing skills with a special focus on children with learning and developmental disabilities. Integration of creative arts with children’s literacy nurtures a natural love of learning. Staff comprised of accomplished, professional teachers and high-school volunteers. Services and activities focus on exploration and skill building using student interest and a low student/teacher ratio. Middle-School Leadership Program (6-8th grade) provides a place to feel accepted as well as building essential skills for future success. They develop leadership skills, literacy skills, and build confidence to handle life’s challenges. Final group project is a “word mural” donated to a designated nonprofit.
The only program structured as a camp that offers reading, writing, creative thinking during the summer. Located on 37 bucolic acres, the setting incorporates the gentle, nurturing qualities of natures.

Population(s) Served

Our afternoon enrichment program incorporates STEAM (science, technology, engineering, math, and art) activities and augments our literacy-focused morning program with biographies and innovative stories weaved into each project. Students must problem solve through fun activities that enhance critical thinking skills. Students enjoy hands-on projects where they build and create and solve problems as they get to enjoy the rewards and satisfaction that comes from finishing each project. All of our enrichment groups experience the 4Cs: Creativity, Communication, Critical Thinking, and Collaboration. These skills cannot be automated, they are invaluable human skills developed through projects that challenges campers to think critically and creatively, work collaboratively and learn to communicate effectively.

Population(s) Served
Children and youth
Low-income people
Children and youth
Low-income people

Where we work

How we listen

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.

done We demonstrated a willingness to learn more by reviewing resources about feedback practice.
done We shared information about our current feedback practices.

  • Who are the people you serve with your mission?

    We serve a variety of children from entering kindergarten to leaving 8th grade. Thechildren range in socio-economic, academic and diverse backgrounds. They span from learning disabled to above average; however, we specifically seek those from underserved educational experiences and children who have struggled during the school year.

  • How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?

    Electronic surveys (by email, tablet, etc.), Paper surveys,

  • How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?

    To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals,

  • What significant change resulted from feedback?

    Recent additions from feedback: With grant funding, we purchased a STEM program that starts with the youngest children and progresses through the upper grades. Additionally, with the help of grant funding, we established a formal volunteer-in-training program for 8th graders wanting to work with young children. It is a three-week afternoon program that provides practical experience in addition to group leadership learning. Since COVID, many children are experiencing social-emotional issues and we have integrated social skill building into our literacy program. Due to COVID-19 we have mitigated summer learning loss. We continually seek and welcome recommendations from parents and teachers in order to provide the best program each summer.

  • With whom is the organization sharing feedback?

    The people we serve, Our staff, Our board,

  • How has asking for feedback from the people you serve changed your relationship?

    We have always welcomed feedback from the people we serve and our relationship with our community has always been positive. A cooperative relationship, working with parents, establishes trust and provides the best possible outcome for the children. We seek to establish a community of learners which includes children, parents, teachers, staff and volunteers. This colaborative outlook extends to our Board of Directors consisting of parents whose children attend the program.

  • Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?

    We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We tell the people who gave us feedback how we acted on their feedback, We ask the people who gave us feedback how well they think we responded,

  • What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?

    We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback,

Financials

Learning Institute Inc
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Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

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Connect with nonprofit leaders

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  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

Learning Institute Inc

Board of directors
as of 12/28/2022
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Michael Weschler

Katonah Lewisboro School District

Term: 2021 - 2023

Sharon O'Grady

Tarrytown School District

Michele Nekos

Board Secretary

Nicole Dwyer

Board Treasurer

Gail Murphy

College of Mt. St. Vincent

Colleen Whalen

Edge Technology Group

Sonia Morando

PTA President

Alicia Benedetto

joann ferrigno

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

  • Board orientation and education
    Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes
  • CEO oversight
    Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No
  • Ethics and transparency
    Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
  • Board performance
    Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 12/13/2022

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Gender identity
Female

Race & ethnicity

No data

Gender identity

No data

 

No data

Sexual orientation

No data

Disability

No data

Equity strategies

Last updated: 12/13/2022

GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more

Data
  • We ask team members to identify racial disparities in their programs and / or portfolios.
  • We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
Policies and processes
  • We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
  • We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
  • We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.