Dear Friends of Purchase Day Camp,

As you know, the health and safety of our campers and staff are always the number one priority at PDC. When we decided that a full day program was not possible, we tried to offer a different option that could accommodate our campers’ needs to get together with their friends and participate in our great camp traditions. We sent a survey designed to help us see if parents felt the same way.

Ultimately, the survey reflected deep concern for the impact of the coronavirus. Some of our parents indicated that the half day program was not long enough, but on the whole, parents are clearly still concerned about their children participating in group activities. When we looked at the number of YES replies, we determined that camp would not have the same energy or excitement that you and I expect at Purchase Day Camp. Sadly, we have made the decision that Purchase Day Camp will not open in 2020.

This would have been my 43rd straight summer of fun at PDC. It pains me to know that we will not be together this season. I want to thank our Leadership TEAM and our Board of Directors for their hard work trying to find a solution to this virus. While we could not overcome the hurdles, the effort was there, and for that I am very appreciative. I also want to thank each of our camp families. Your support, concern and understanding have been comforting. This has been a difficult process. The support you have given us has helped make it bearable.

I want to wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy summer. Please take care of yourself, your family and your friends. I am already looking forward to our first morning on the blacktop on June 28, 2021. So now we begin the countdown to 2021: Only 375 days till camp.

See you soon,

Jim