Eight Three Oaks Elementary students have the opportunity to go to summer camp this year, thanks to the efforts of Journeyman Distillery and local nonprofit Islay’s Barrel.
2019 marks the third year that Islay’s Barrel, founded by Journeyman founders Johanna and Bill Welter, has worked with Three Oaks Elementary to provide deserving kids with the opportunity. Funds to send the kids to YMCA Camp Eberhart in Three Rivers were raised at Journeyman’s annual Barrel Aged Brew Fest.
Journeyman reports that both the kids and their parents were thrilled when the minibus donated by Epic Limo arrived to take them to camp. Some of the kids are veteran campers, and are going back with goals to do this year what they didn’t do the last, such as Macie who wants to pass the camp’s “green level” swim test. “I tried last year, but got tired and only made it to the yellow level,” Macie said.
Bill fondly recalls his own childhood experiences at Camp Eberhart, and acknowledges that he was fortunate to have the opportunity. “Being away from home, meeting new people, and trying new things for the first time and just having fun. These were all important milestones for me and will help build experiences that will last a life time for these kids. We work with school leadership to identify students that will most benefit from this modest investment in their future success.”
This year’s Barrel Aged Brew Fest will take place on Saturday, October 19, with 100 percent of the proceeds once again going toward Islay’s Barrel to provide Southwest Michigan children summer opportunities. You can visit the official Islay’s Barrel Facebook page for ticket and event details. Information about Islay’s Barrel is below.
Islay’s Barrel is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to extend summer enrichment opportunities to Southwest Michigan children in need. The organization was founded in 2012 by Journeyman Distillery proprietors Johanna and Bill Welter and named for their young daughter, Islay. Shortly after Islay’s birth, Johanna and Bill filled a 53 gallon barrel of Rye Whiskey was filled for the benefit of her future education. Their nonprofit, Islay’s Barrel, seeks to extend that concept into the community, empowering a network of people to have a positive impact on the lives of local kids.
