Sliding Scale overview
Before you register, please read the following to determine where you are on the sliding scale. Then select the level of the scale that works for you when you register.
We are trying something new this year that we hope will ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience camp. Instead of a set fee for camp with the option of scholarships and donations, we are instituting a sliding scale.
Why a Sliding Scale?
A sliding scale fee structure gives all families the opportunity to access the resources of this land and our programs. We are committed to making sure that financial challenges are not a hindrance to access participation. At Zenger Farm, we believe everyone has a right to access fresh food and outdoor opportunities. As an organization focused on racial, environmental, economic and food justice.
Our sliding scale requires your active participation. Building economic justice takes some time and effort. By using a sliding scale, we are practicing economic solidarity: we are cooperating with all camp families to create a more equitable, inclusive and just community. We hope that our broad sliding scale allows more people to participate.
When you pay for camp at Zenger Farm, you are doing more than providing your kid(s) with a week of fun outdoors on a farm. You are contributing to our mission to model, promote and educate about sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, community development and access to fresh food for all. You make it possible for us to focus on being a multi-class space where all children can be together.
Step 1: See where your family falls on the Sliding Scale
When selecting a level on our sliding scale, we encourage you to contribute at the income level that is meaningful, significant, and affordable for you. The sliding scale chart below is based on income in the Portland Metro Area. Please consider sliding up the scale if you are able to. This information is confidential and no camper is treated differently based on familial financial contribution.
SLIDING SCALE CALCULATOR
STEP 2: Consider Factors Beyond Income
Please note: any payments above the base rate of $325 are tax-deductible donations to our scholarship fund. When filing for taxes, please use the tax ID # 93-1269630. Thank you!
Other factors besides income affect your financial status. Some groups of people have specific costs and barriers that the larger population is not affected by. Other groups have access to resources that are not always reflected in their lifestyle choices, income levels, and familial support. Please consider other factors when choosing the amount you pay.
Consider contributing more when you…
- Own your home
- Have retirement accounts, investments, or inherited money
- Were raised upper-middle or owning class
- Have the ability to prioritize expenses including discretionary expenses like travel, dining out, entertainment, etc.
- Have access to credit or low barriers to purchasing big items
- Have a multi-income earning family, with access to family money and resources in times of need or other support
- Have a relatively high degree of earning power* due to your education level (or other privileges you may have associated with race, gender, citizenship status, class background, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, etc).
*Even if you are not currently exercising your earning power, we ask you to recognize when this is a choice and consider contributing more.
Consider paying less when you…
- are supporting more children, other dependents, or sending remittances
- have significant debt to income ratio
- have medical expenses not covered by insurance
- are on a fixed income, such as senior citizens
- have chronic health needs or disabilities that have financial implications
- Have limited access to resources, credit, savings, etc
- are impacted by systemic and historic oppression
- are impacted by state violence (e.g. refugees, asylees and injustice in our criminal system)
- have to choose between basic needs and the ability to pay at a higher level
Thank you for trying this out with us! If our sliding scale does not reach the price you need and you would like a lower fee or would like to make a larger contribution, please contact Education Program Manager Jayanika Lawrence at jayanika@zengerfarm.org
STEP 3: Register for Camp
When you log onto our registration system you will choose your level on the scale. You will then be able to navigate the system, as usual, to sign up your camper(s). The sliding scale system operates on the honor system and we are trusting each of you to pay the maximum amount that you are able to. Space is limited but everyone is welcome.
Payment Plans: feel free to choose from the payment plans to set up auto-pay in installments. If you would like a different payment plan than those listed, contact Jayanika@zengerfarm.org.