The good Cornellians can do: Tara Dircks ’94
For more than 100 years, since 1914, the North Shore Holiday House (NSHH) has hosted a free summer camp for Long Island girls. The camp offers low-income girls a fun-filled sleepaway experience, with swimming, sports, campfires, and all the beloved traditions of summer camp.
In 2017, Tara Dircks '94 was invited to a fundraiser for the camp, organized by NHSS volunteer board members. Tara had previously worked as an attorney for New York City Children’s Services in Family Court, and the mission of NSHH resonated with her. She joined the board.
As a volunteer, Tara helps ready the cabins and campgrounds for 200 summer campers. She also helps organize fundraisers for the camp, including the recent festive Holiday House Tour on December 4, 2025. Tara reports that 300+ guests attended the tour, and the event raised more than $70,000 to help keep the camp tuition-free.
Tara also helps plan field trips and activities for the girls, and she volunteers in person at the camp each summer.
“This past summer I helped the girls paint t-shirts and tote bags,” Tara says. “When a 12-year-old camper told me that going to NSHH camp was her favorite thing each year, and that she'd been attending since she was 7, I was blown away. It made me happy to be part of an organization that can create that opportunity.”
Cornellians around the globe are sharing how they do good in communities big and small. Share your own story.
