Sam Wilkinson Scholarship FundI don't think there was a dry eye in the unschooling world on February 26, 2002 when Joanna Wilkinson shared her story of the loss of her eight year old son, Sam, in an tragic accident in January. We at L&L have received permission from Joanna to name our scholarship fund after Sam in the hopes that more people may find the joy that unschooling can bring us and our children. Here are Joanna's words describing her Sam:
Sammy loved soccer and game cube and game boy. Lord of the Rings was his passion recently. He had a beautiful voice, but only just started to sing in front of other people (though he sang around the house, sometimes ALL day long). He loved to draw and would draw elaborate pictures of castles with dragons and knights and canons. He was a Jr. cowboy at our local western theme park. Most people describe him as "full of joy". He seemed to relish every new adventure and wanted to experience as much as he could. He was always the one to start (or gladly join in) the adventures in our house. The kids would make up plays or dance routines or cool fantasy games and spend the day in another world.
I wish you could have known him. He really was a light that shined, and people noticed everywhere we went. Sam would have been 9 on Valentine's Day.
Working Scholarships
We will deduct $100 off for 1/2 days work (after breakfast until lunch OR after lunch until 5:00) and each family may only work twice, so you could receive up to $200 off your registration.
There are several jobs available, and we will try to work with your strengths. Please apply *early* so that we can make suitable arrangements. No scholarships will be granted after July 31, 2008.
If you would like a scholarship contact our scholarship coordinator Pam Genant at genant2@aol.com
Volunteers
We ALWAYS welcome volunteers!If you don't need help with the registration fee but still want to help the conference, get your hands dirty, get to know fellow unschoolers, or just be an all-round good guy, we have plenty of things for you to do! You will also receive our undying gratitude! If you would like to volunteer, we will have forms available closer to the conference. We will not accept emailed request. You must use this form.
*For those of you willing to help support the scholarship program, please check the box on your registration form and let us know how much you’d like to contribute! Thank you for your generosity!
**There are two other Sam Wilkinson Charities:
National Alliance for Youth. Sam's grandfather set up a Sam Wilkinson Memorial fund that promotes youth sports in 3rd world countries. They are building fields and providing equipment. http://www.nays.org/IntMain.cfm?Page=142&Cat=23 The link to the memorial fund is there.
A local firefighter started Sam Boxes after hearing about Sam's tragic death. http://www.samboxes.com. The link to make donations is there.