The Campership Fund assists families in Concord and Carlisle who would otherwise not be able to afford the expense of summer camps. Priorities are made to working parents and families who contribute part of the cost. The Campership Committee works closely with Concord’s Community Services Coordinator and the Carlisle Council on Aging and Human Services to make knowledgeable, sensitive decisions about how to divide the limited funding between families. If you are seeking assistance for summer camp, click here for more details.
This fund is generously sponsored by individual donors, The Thoreau Club, and Open Door Education.
“My kids LOVE camp! It’s a big part of their childhood. I’m a single parent who works hard, raises these two wonderful kids, and am trying to get by with higher prices in everything. The Concord Carlisle Foundation can help us afford two weeks of summer camp for the kids. Thank you!”
Community Conversations: Sneha Harsh Interviews Travis Minor, Founder of OpenDoor Education
At the Concord Carlisle Foundation (CCF), we believe strong communities are built through meaningful partnerships. Our Associate Director, Sneha Harsh, recently spoke with Travis Minor, founder of OpenDoor Education and dedicated supporter of CCF’s Campership Fund, about education, giving, and the power of community-driven impact.
Travis: Growing up in Concord, I had incredible teachers from kindergarten through high school who showed me that education and good teaching truly matter. Inspired by legendary teachers like Doc Fury at CCHS, I earned my teaching certifications in history and English. I taught in Philadelphia for a few years and also worked in tutoring, where I discovered the profound impact of one-on-one learning.
When my wife and I moved back to Concord, I founded OpenDoor Education to help students not only succeed academically; improving SAT scores, mastering study skills, and building confidence; but also to develop critical life skills. We’ve prioritized increasing access to quality education by offering free boot camps in partnership with local organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and METCO, and now with CCF. Growing up here, I learned the importance of giving back, and that remains central to our mission.
Travis: I believe education will continue to become more personalized and student-centered, with technology allowing for greater individualization and self-directed learning. That said, the human connection between student and educator remains essential and even more valuable as more content delivery shifts online. Teachers will have more time to guide, encourage, and connect with students in meaningful ways.
What I admire about CCF is how it enables organizations to do impactful work by providing flexible funding without micromanaging. CCF trusts community partners to use their expertise to serve students and families effectively. Supporting the Campership Fund aligns with our values at OpenDoor by helping ensure all children have access to enriching summer camp experiences that develop life skills, confidence, and independence.
Travis: We always remind ourselves at OpenDoor: we do not exist without our community. Families trust us with their children’s education, which is no small thing. Supporting nonprofits like CCF builds that trust and shows families we are committed to the same values they care about.
I’ve seen firsthand how our engagement with local nonprofits has strengthened our relationships and built goodwill. Parents and students know we’re invested in the community beyond our own business, and that makes them feel even better about working with us. It’s also about modeling community-minded values for the students we serve.
Travis: If your business is local, investing in your community is the best way to build meaningful relationships and strengthen your network. A few years ago, we shifted our focus from spending on traditional advertising, like Google Ads, to investing those dollars in local partnerships. Even if it doesn’t result in a single new client, I know that money is going somewhere I believe in. Supporting local organizations has an impact you can see and feel; and that’s something no online ad can match.
We are incredibly grateful for leaders like Travis Minor and organizations like OpenDoor Education, whose commitment to education and community engagement reflect the heart of Concord and Carlisle. Through initiatives like the Campership Fund, and the generosity of supporters like Travis, we continue to open doors of opportunity for children and families across our community.
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