Our Vision

Our Vision: A Nation Restoring Nature at Home

Imagine a network of flourishing habitats blanketing the country, each supporting the endangered Monarch Butterfly and countless other species. Monarch populations have rebounded, wildlife corridors have reconnected, and communities are thriving—more connected with nature and living healthier, more sustainable lives. From backyard gardens to vast sanctuaries, everyone is playing a role in restoring the natural world.

At Camp Monarch, this vision drives everything we do. We believe in a future where Monarchs and other critical species are no longer at risk, and communities nationwide are empowered to protect biodiversity and live in harmony with nature.

Phase One:  Assemble and Organize

In Phase One, our focus is on establishing Camp Monarch Corporation as a legal entity and setting the groundwork for future growth. This crucial phase includes obtaining necessary registrations, securing basic operational tools, and, most importantly, recruiting a dedicated and skilled Board of Directors. With the right leadership in place, Camp Monarch will be well-positioned to move into Phase Two, where we'll expand our efforts to restore vital habitats and build a network of wildlife sanctuaries. 

Initial Tasks

• File Articles of Incorporation with the State of Missouri - Complete!

• Obtain an EIN from the IRS - Complete!

• File form 1023-EZ to obtain 501c3 status - Complete!

• Create first draft of Bylaws - Complete!

• Create first draft of Board Member Agreement - Complete!

• Create first draft of Conflict of Interest Policy - Complete!

• Conduct first Board Meeting - Complete!

  • Approve required documents - Complete!

  • Formalize officer roles (President, Secretary, Treasurer) - Complete!

  • Schedule recurring monthly Board Meetings - Complete!

• Create initial website - Complete!

• Ensure acceptance of 1023-EZ application - Complete!

Once we are 501c3 certified

• Create a profile for Camp Monarch on Tech Soup - Complete!

• Sign up for Google for Nonprofit and set up email and collaboration tools - Complete!

• Create a profile on Volunteer Match - Complete!

• Select a bank and open a bank account - Complete!

• Submit Form 1746 - Missouri Sales/Use Tax Exemption Application

• Set up Financial and Compliance Systems 

• Request logo designs on Fiverr - Complete!

• Finalize logo - Complete!

• Agree on Go Live Mission Statement - Complete!

• Create Fundraising Page on GiveButter - Complete!

Initial Branding

Purpose:  To maintain and promote a consistent, strong brand that aligns with Camp Monarch’s mission, ensuring all communications and public representations adhere to a unified visual and verbal identity.

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Reddit

• Twitter

• ...

Needs

• Approved Logo - Complete!

• Approved Tagline

• Approved Mission Statement - Complete!

Establish Seed Distribution Program

• Curate Seed Collection(s) - Complete!

• Procure seeds - Complete!

• Procure packaging supplies - Complete!

• Package collections for distribution - Ongoing

• Activate fundraising program on GiveButter - Complete!

Needs

• Bulk Seeds - Complete!

• Seed envelopes - Complete!

• Mailing Envelopes - Complete!

• Postage - As Needed

• Camp Monarch rubber stamp and ink pad - Complete!

Key Objectives/Outcomes:

• • Establish foundation of the Nonprofit and Board of Directors - Complete!

  • Establish a consistent brand identity across all platforms.

  • Launch website with key educational and outreach messaging complete

  • Seed collections available through donation or a Hero Post

• Recruit Director of Outreach

  • Fundraising target - $2000 to activate phase two

Phase Two:  Mobilize Homeowners

Phase Two focuses on raising awareness about the endangered status of Monarch Butterflies and empowering homeowners to take meaningful action. Through education and outreach, we aim to inform people who may not realize the severity of the Monarchs' decline, but who are willing to help once they understand the issue. By providing clear guidance on how to support Monarchs, like planting Milkweed and other native species, we will mobilize a growing community of individuals ready to restore critical habitats and contribute to lasting change. 

Establish Digital Outreach Program

Program Purpose:  To enhance and manage Camp Monarch’s online presence, focusing on the website, social media, and digital tools to engage the community, provide educational resources, and support fundraising and outreach.

Key Objectives/Outcomes:

• • Improve online visibility through a well-designed website and social media engagement.

  • Increase awareness and education about habitat restoration through digital channels.

  • Build tools to support fundraising and outreach initiatives.

Needs:

• Director of Outreach

Establish Camp Ambassador Program

Program Purpose:  To recruit, train, and mobilize ambassadors who will advocate for Camp Monarch’s mission, promoting conservation and habitat restoration efforts in their communities.

Key Objectives/Outcomes:

• Spread awareness and train ambassadors to engage communities

• Support ambassadors with resources for outreach

• Foster community involvement in habitat restoration at home

• Recruit Director of Fundraising

• Fundraising target - $4000 to activate phase three

Needs:

• Ambassador Welcome Pack

Phase Three:  Engage Communities through Visible Habitat Projects

While spreading awareness is essential, nothing resonates more than seeing action firsthand. We're in the "Show Me State" after all!  In Phase Three, we focus on bringing habitat restoration projects into the heart of communities—places where people naturally gather, such as grocery stores, restaurants, banks, and parks. By creating visible, local examples of thriving Monarch habitats, we aim to inspire others to take part and highlight the impact these efforts can have. Showing the results of our work will be a powerful tool to engage more people and foster a deeper connection to conservation.

Establish Fundraising Program

Program Purpose:  To generate financial support for Camp Monarch’s operations, programs, and conservation efforts through strategic fundraising initiatives.

Key Objectives/Outcomes:

• • Secure ongoing funding for organizational operations and programs.

  • Develop relationships with donors and corporate sponsors.

  • Implement sustainable fundraising campaigns.

Phase Four:  Empower Homeowners with Hands-On Habitat Support

In Phase Four, we focus on providing direct, hands-on assistance to homeowners ready to create Monarch habitats but who may not have the time or resources to do it alone. Understanding that busy lives can limit what people can take on, we’ll offer habitat restoration services—like landscaping, but specifically for creating wildlife-friendly spaces. Our team will work alongside homeowners to transform parts of their property into vibrant, thriving Monarch habitats, making it easy for anyone to contribute to restoring vital ecosystems. 

Phase Five:  Inspire Action through Immersive Camp Monarch Sanctuaries

With the success of our Monarch waypoints and homeowner habitat projects, Phase Five takes conservation to the next level by creating large-scale Monarch sanctuaries. These immersive sanctuaries will serve as places where people can reconnect with nature and recharge, while witnessing the impact of habitat restoration firsthand. By transforming these spaces into conservation hubs, we aim to inspire visitors and empower them to bring conservation practices into their own lives. Leveraging our growing track record, we will seek grants to support these larger projects, making them key centers for education, restoration, and community engagement. 

Phase Six:  Connect the Monarch Migration Corridor

In Phase Six, our goal is to expand conservation efforts beyond individual sites, connecting habitats across the Monarch Butterfly’s migratory path from Mexico to Canada. With conservation activity radiating from our Camp Monarch locations, each sanctuary will act as a stepping stone along the journey—creating a continuous chain of vital habitats. By linking these restored spaces, we’ll support the Monarchs’ entire migration, fostering healthier ecosystems across the continent. This network of connected sanctuaries will serve as a powerful example of large-scale conservation in action, ensuring that Monarchs and other species have safe passage throughout their migratory route. 

Phase Seven:  Nationwide Network

In Phase Seven, we expand our mission beyond the Monarch Butterfly to support all native wildlife across North America. Our goal is to create a nationwide network of physical Camp Monarch sites, each serving as an oasis for biodiversity. These sanctuaries will provide critical habitats for a variety of species, forming a vast, interconnected system of conservation hubs. By uniting communities in the effort to restore ecosystems, we’ll build a resilient network that supports wildlife across the continent, ensuring that all native species can thrive in harmony with human development.