One Day. Three Challenges. A Big Opportunity for Wabun.

For generations, Wabun has shaped young people through wilderness travel, friendship, challenge, resilience, and joy. Paddle It Forward Day is a chance for alumni, families, friends, and supporters to keep that experience strong for the campers who will carry Wabun into the future.

Whether Wabun gave you confidence, lifelong friendships, a love of canoe tripping, or a deeper sense of who you are, May 15 is the day to pass it on.

Unlock the $20,000 Challenge

Our main goal is simple: raise $20,000 in gifts on May 15.

When we reach that goal, Wabun will unlock an additional $20,000 in challenge funds, turning one day of generosity into $40,000 for Wabun’s future.

Every donation counts. A gift of $25, $100, $500, or more all helps paddle us toward the finish line.

Young Alumni Challenge!

Wabun’s younger alumni have a special opportunity to lead the way.

If 30 young alumni, defined as anyone who started at Wabun in 2007 or later, make a gift on May 15, we will unlock $7,500 pledged by a fellow young alum.

This challenge is all about participation. Your gift does not need to be large to make a difference. What matters is showing up, joining together, and proving that the next generation of Wabun alumni is ready to Paddle It Forward.

Honor a Wabun Woman and unlock funds!

This year marks 50 years since the first girls' section paddled out from Garden Island. In honor of that milestone, we are celebrating all of the women who have shaped, supported, inspired, and strengthened the Wabun community.

If we receive 50 donations made in honor or in memory of a Wabun woman, we will unlock $10,000 pledged by a group of Wabun Women.

We especially invite gifts honoring or remembering mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends, mentors, and the many women connected to Wabun alumni whose love and encouragement helped make Wabun possible.

When you make your gift, you will be able to include a personal note or description. If you indicate the name and contact information of the woman honored, we will send a note to let her know!

Important! When donating, Donors will be asked to cover platform fees. Wabun does not require this and Donors are free to Opt-Out.

Paddle It Forward Day 2026