Appel Circle - A Tribute to Will Christianson

Will was camper at Appel Farm from 2001 to 2005, and widely adored for his smile, his wit, his talent, his openness, his ideas, and his enthusiasm for making new friends. Camp was a safe and special place for Will, the people of Appel Farm became his family, and the bonds and friendships he made helped him grow and enjoy his life, both at camp and at home.

During the summer of 2008, Will was struck by an automobile and did not survive. He was 17 years old and headed to George Washington University that fall.

In the wake of this tragedy, Will’s friends came back to Appel Farm from all over the world to honor him and to reconnect to the place where they knew him best. Allan, Will’s father and also a member of our community, was so moved by our community that afternoon. The way we came together to celebrate Will’s life, sharing stories and laughing, crying and leaning on each other, sitting in a circle in one of Will’s favorite places, the grassy field in front of the garden.

Allan looked back on that special afternoon while planning a tribute to Will and the idea for the Appel Circle was born. Allan, an architect, envisioned a commemorative installation in tribute to the qualities that Appel Farm instilled in his son, and the community he loved.

The installation will sit in front of the garden at Appel Farm, marking a circle where Allan hopes we will gather for years to come. At one side of the circle, a small column of sunlight will pass over words in bronze, words that give expression to some of the important values of the Appel Farm community. The spinning of the Earth and passing sunlight will be paired with our own spirit and outlook, and signal a place for people to come together, to share, to encourage, to have deep discussions, to relax and laugh and have fun.

We have already received donations from Will’s family and friends from home, as well as generous commitments of in-kind contributions of materials and services getting us close to our goal. We are reaching out to the Appel Farm community to raise the final $3,000 necessary to complete the installation. A small tax-deductible gift from you will go a long way toward making the Appel Circle a reality.

Click here to make your donation. Please note that your donation is a Memorial Donation for Will Christianson.