Dear Friend of LPC,

Four short years after the conclusion of World War Two, Natalie Peterson held the first summer camp that would eventually become Luethi-Peterson Camps International (LPC), with the ambitious goal of fostering peace and international understanding.  By bringing children from previously warring nations together to spend a summer sharing cultural insights, languages, and the freedom of childhood, Natalie believed that trust between historic enemies could be built, and as a result, future conflicts could be avoided.

Remarkably, each summer for the last seven decades, children from around the world have gathered at LPC camps to perpetuate Natalie’s vision.  Lifelong friendships have been created, cultural ideas have been imported to new destinations, and the number of “LPC summers changed my life” stories are too numerous to count.  The success and longevity of that original vision is truly awe inspiring.

A big part of that success stems from LPC’s unwavering commitment to financially support a large number of counselors and campers who would otherwise not be able to participate in an LPC camp experience.  Through scholarships and other grants, LPC strives to foster an inclusive environment by bringing together campers and counselors from diverse regional, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, furthering the mission that Natalie first envisioned in 1949.  As supporters of LPC, it is up to us to carry on that vision, and ensure that LPC continues to be an effective force for peace and international cooperation. 

However, our organization stands at a crossroads.  The financial demand of supporting our diverse camp participants, coupled with two years of Covid related shutdowns with no income from camp tuitions to offset our annual expenses, has had a significant impact on our fiscal stability.  LPC’s financial reserves have dwindled to historically low levels, and the long-term financial health of the organization is in question.

With this in mind, we are launching the 2023 LPC Global Fundraising Initiative to ensure that the organization remains strong and vibrant for the next generation of LPC campers.  We have set a goal of raising 100,000 euros by the end of 2023, all of which will go to the LPC general fund to help place LPC on solid financial footing, allowing us to continue operating summer camps and offering scholarships to campers and counselors.  Like Natalie’s original vision, attempting to raise 100,000 euros is an ambitious goal, but with the help and support of the LPC family, we know that it can be done.   

But it will take all of us working together, so please consider making a donation to LPC.  I would encourage you to share the LPC story with your friends and family, and invite them to make a contribution as well.  No donation amount is too small – as every euro raised will help build and strengthen LPC’s financial foundation. 

In the United States, you can make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking on this link, or mailing a check to
LPC-US Inc.
PO Box 82
Wakefield RI 02880. 

Outside of the United States, you can make a contribution by bank transfer or by credit card through Wise (recipient: Luethi Peterson Camps International).

LPC International bank account information:

Account holder: Luethi Peterson Camps International, CH-3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
IBAN: CH31 0079 0016 5975 2117 4
Account Nr: 16 5975 2117 4
Clearing Number: 790
Swift or BLZ: KBBECH22XXX
Bank address: Berner Kantonalbank AG, Bahnhofstrasse 2, CH-3401 Burgdorf, Switzerland

Thank you for your consideration, and your help in making the LPC Global Fundraising Initiative a success.

Patrick Neely, Chair
2023 LPC Global Fundraising Initiative