In April 18 was a day full of celebration, milestones, and muddy boots at Ferncliff!
The morning began with the 9th annual Ferncliff Nature Preschool Hike-a-Thon, a beloved tradition that shines a light on the courage, determination, and joy of our youngest outdoor explorers. Each preschooler set off on their own hiking journey, choosing how far and how long they wanted to trek. This unique event celebrates independence and resilience in the most Ferncliff way: outside, in community, and full of cheering!
Our Hike-a-Thon is more than just a walk in the woods—it’s a community-centered event that brings together families, extended relatives, and dedicated volunteers who help make this celebration possible. With around 60 preschoolers participating, the trails were alive with little footsteps, cheering, and applause from supporters who lined the route to encourage our hikers. These young explorers hiked an impressive 71 collective miles with 3 miles by one kiddo! The community gave generously to outdoor education and nature-based learning with $12,700 in pledges, $3100 in sponsorships.
Thanks to generous sponsors and supporters, we were able to provide everything needed to make the day special—while also helping sustain our commitment to high-quality, nature-based care for families across Central Arkansas.
Later that morning, we gathered again—this time for a moment years in the making.
Joel Gill, Alfred Williams, Melissa Fontaine, Linda K. Smith, David Gill, Kate Franks lift ceremonial shovels as part of the Ferncliff Commons Ground Breaking Ceremony on April 18.
At 11 a.m., we officially broke ground on the Ferncliff Commons, a new multipurpose facility that will serve campers, guests, and community members for generations to come. Ferncliff Executive Director Joel Gill opened the ceremony with words of welcome and gratitude. Then, in a fitting tribute to the future of Ferncliff, the first scoops of dirt were poured by our Nature Preschoolers—tiny hands taking the first steps in shaping something big.
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- Susie, Harlan, Malcolm, and Justin Dubois lift ceremonial shovels at the groundbreaking of the new Ferncliff Commons on April 18, 2025. The Commons will be completed in 2025 and be a dining hall for campers.
Rev. Jocelyn Wildwright offered a meaningful blessing for the site, and the DuBois family shared a heartfelt reflection on what Ferncliff has meant to them as campers and as a family. After ceremonial shovels were lifted and the original Ferncliff dining hall bell was rung, all attendees were invited to take part—adding their own shovel of dirt to the site and ringing the bell to mark their place in Ferncliff history.
It was a day full of spirit, celebration, and community. Thank you to all who came out to hike, cheer, reflect, and dream with us. The trail ahead is bright.
Your support helps bring days like this to life—and ensures Ferncliff continues to grow for future generations. If you’d like to help us keep the momentum going, consider making a gift today.