May 29, 2020
Dear Community Members.
It is with heavy hearts that we have made the decision to not hold Summer Day Camps for 2020. Please know that this is a not a decision that we have taken lightly. We understand that this may cause hardship for families, especially those returning to work. During this pandemic, the safety and wellness of the staff, campers, families and citizens of the community are our first priority. Summer camp is a very social environment and it is not possible to properly adhere to the social distancing guidelines as well as multiple other guidelines set forth at this time.
Over the past 2+ months, the KCC staff has been meeting with Town leadership, as well as reviewing CDC guidelines, State of Maine guidelines, meeting with members of our State Association (MRPA), seeking guidance from National Organizations such as the National Parks and Recreation Association and American Camp Association, conversing with colleagues in neighboring communities, and trying to work out multiple scenarios for camp. Our priority from the outset of this process has been the health and safety of the staff and children that would be in our care this summer. Even after reviewing the State’s Guidelines that came out last week, there are still too many unknowns for us to feel completely confident in keeping everyone safe and healthy.
I’d like to thank you all for your patience during this process. With the ever-changing nature of things, it has not been an easy one. We understand the hardship that this may cause for some families and are hoping that providing this information now will allow you to make the necessary arrangements for the summer. We will be working next week on processing the refunds of any deposits/payments that were made toward this year’s summer camps.
It’s very difficult for us as the Community Center to not be able to provide the “community” programming and socialization that a number of families are looking for.
At this time, our team is committed to finding ways to help meet community needs and stay connected to you through modified and creative programming to assist the community in connecting with each other.
We are hopeful that things will take a turn for the better and that we can come back for 2021 with a new appreciation of summer camp life!
Stay safe,
Jeremy Paul
Director, Kittery Community Center
