Support Gymkana: Help Reload the Truck

Currently an outreach program of the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland, Gymkana has been an amazing and exciting program for many years. We are very proud to be celebrating our 75th season, even if it is a year like no other before it.

Gymkana is proudly a self-supported program, receiving no direct funding from the University. The vast majority of our funding, over 80%, comes from our summer camp and gymnastics classes. Conversely, donations typically make up less than 10% of our revenue.  However, due to safety concerns related to the ongoing pandemic, we have been unable to run any of our programs since March 2020. It remains uncertain when these programs may start again.  That means that for this past year, Gymkana has been unable to raise the vast majority of its annual revenue. We had money saved in case of an emergency, but we never thought that we would lose a whole year’s worth of our programs.  We need help to restore some savings to give us some security if the current crisis continues or future crises arise.  

This campaign is themed "Reload the Truck." Gymkana members have many shared experiences with Gymkana, like hearing the cheers at schools, painting the backdrop, the magic of Home Show, and the loading and unloading of the truck.  For some, the loading of the truck was a great bonding experience with teammates. For others it wasn’t so much. But it was necessary in order for the show to go on and the more people that chip in, the better it goes. 

Now, our truck is empty in that we are running out of funds to allow the current and future troupers a Gymkana experience and to be able to get our program back out into the community. The money raised in the campaign will help to off-set our losses from the shutdown. Your donation will help us to sustain continuity of the Gymkana experience for our troupers and provide some financial stability until our programs can support Gymkana’s needs again. 

Gymkana is important to so many people. We want to be able to continue our cherished legacy and spread our positive message. We want future Gymkana troupers to have the amazing experiences that those before them have enjoyed. In our community, our camps and classes have benefited thousands of kids and adults over the years, bringing the joy of learning gymnastics along with the message of making healthy choices. These programs also help our student instructors develop coaching and leadership skills. Skills they carry with them in their professional and personal lives. 

These are tough times, but if you are in a position that you can afford to donate, we would really appreciate it. We also appreciate any help you can provide in sharing this campaign with others. Help us Reload the Truck one more time so that the show can go on. Thank you for your support! 

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents.  Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.