Dear Girl Scout Families,
Summer camp has long been a place where Girl Scouts discover friendships, adventures and the courage to overcome challenges. The challenge we face in the coronavirus pandemic is one we’ve never experienced.
As Girl Scouts, we face it with courage and commitment to the health and safety of our families, volunteers and staff
, as well as the long-term vitality of our movement.
After much consideration regarding public health recommendations on COVID-19 and the situation’s continuing uncertainty,
we have made the difficult decision to cancel all 2020 summer resident camp programs at Camp Alice Pittenger and Camp Ta-Man-A-Wis.
We know that this news is disappointing to our campers and families. Believe me that our staff and Board are heartbroken too. We ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times.
We reviewed guidance from medical experts, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), Central District Health, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the CDC, the American Camp Association, and others.
At the end of the day, we determined we could not at this time provide an adequate assurance of health and safety in our camp setting during this pandemic.
As state guidelines shift and continue to evolve, adhering to potential guidelines on social distancing, extensive additional sanitation, quarantine if someone becomes ill, and other requirements while housing campers in close proximity is not a feasible course of action at this time in our camp environment.
Families already registered for 2020 summer camps can receive a full refund of their camp registration fee and deposit in the original form of payment or chose other activities or purposes on which to use their funds. Additional communication is being sent to them next week.
Summer is not cancelled, however!
We know how hard you worked to earn Cookie Dough and we are reimagining our
2020 outdoor explorations and adventures.
With in-person programs and at-home activities, girls will still enjoy all the favorite camp traditions like silly camp names, camp songs, and friendship circles.
Our Girl Scouts have already shown their resilience by adapting to and embracing new adventure
likes virtual visits to national parks together and backyard camp-outs. We remain committed to providing safe and fun alternatives to summer camp sessions. Watch for Summer Reimagined registration coming soon!
Planning is full steam ahead for an entire year of exciting programs and activities, including Resident Camp 2021 which we expect to be bigger and better than ever. In the meantime, we will work hard to give your girls safe and fun alternatives to summer resident camp sessions. We are committed to providing as many camp-like opportunities as we possibly can into the late summer and fall, as the situation allows.
We recognize the disruption the COVID-19 pandemic has been for families. Your family and girls have experienced many disappointments during this difficult time, from school closings to the cancelation of fun plans like parties and vacations.
On behalf of all of us at Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, stay safe and well, and take comfort in knowing that even when we are apart, our sisterhood binds us together.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Pat Pyke, CEO Girl Scouts of Silver Sage
