How can we celebrate when our world is upside-down? How can we plan ahead for the summer when we don’t know what’s going to happen?
These are difficult times. It’s hard to live with uncertainty, and it’s important to have positive things to look forward to. We hope that Camp can be that for your family.
You may be wondering whether Hidden Valley 4-H Camp will be open this summer. We don’t know the details yet about our upcoming camping season, but our hope is to hold Camp this summer – keep reading for a full description of our plans.
This summer also marks the 75th anniversary of Hidden Valley 4-H Camp – 75 years of campers playing games, making friends, discovering their potential and making lifelong memories. One thing that has helped us stay focused during this challenging time is looking back upon the history of our camp. The alumni, friends, and parents who have emailed and called, and the many stories from happy campers, inspire joy.
You might be interested to learn that the first summer of Hidden Valley 4-H Camp was also a challenging time.
In July 1945, the US had been fighting in WWII for almost four years. Germany had been defeated in Europe but WWII continued with the War in the Pacific. Families grieved for or worried about loved ones; the times were stressful and uncertain.
That summer there were only 120 campers, but it began a tradition that has since touched thousands of campers and counselors. Every year, Camp is a respite from our hectic lives, a chance to connect with nature and learn new skills, where young people can develop talents and leadership while having fun.
We don’t know what shape Camp will take this summer, but we are determined to continue the tradition, if at all possible. It is likely that there will need to be changes to the format to promote physical distancing and good health practices.
We have engaged a strong leadership team to advise on the standards we would need to meet in order to operate this summer. Our committee is receiving guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leaders in the camping profession, the American Camping Association, and the NYS Department of Health. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of our camp staff, campers, their families and their communities.
We expect to make a decision about Camp within a few weeks – whether we will open, or if we will have an adjusted camping season built upon physical distancing. To make it easier for families, if you want to register now and reserve a space, we will refund your deposit 100% if Camp is unable to open. The registration link is on our website http://cceschuyler.org/hidden-valley-4-h-camp/camp-registration.
We promise to keep communicating about our plans as they develop, and to do our best to keep Camp traditions alive for this year. In the meantime, please enjoy the history and memories we are sharing on Facebook and Instagram, in celebration of 75 Years of Camp!
Think of what Camp meant to those kids in the summer of 1945 … and think of what it can mean to the youth of our community this summer and in the years to come.
Be Brave, Stay Strong and Share Joy!
Melissa C Schroeder
Youth and Family Issue Leader
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schuyler County
