Letter from Kidcam President & CEO
March 18, 2020
Dear Kidcam Friends & Family,
The safety and health of campers and staff is always the highest priority at Kidcam, and, as accredited members of the American Camp Association, we want to ensure you that we are prepared with plans for managing communicable diseases at camp. With the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) within the United States, we are in the process of reviewing and updating our health-related policies and procedures so that we have time to train our staff and prepare our families before the start of summer.
I wanted to address a few things as it relates to our upcoming information sessions, session discounts, change in our refund policy and “what happens if the school year is extended.”
At this time, we are “business as usual” at Kidcam and still planning to bring the Spirit of Summer to life through the power of camp this year. We are carefully monitoring what is happening at a national level, as well as local directives within each of our camp communities.
Please know that Kidcam Camps is now working with Ochsner Health Care, Louisiana’s largest health care provider, to manage the child care programs for their employee’s children during this time. It is a very careful process, and we are taking safety and health to the upmost level of security and precautions, but we are currently operating at many of summer camp locations, which to us, is good news for you. We feel very optimistic that we will be in operation for the summer months…even if we have to work straight through to August. Actually, here’s a great Parent Toolkit from our partners at Ochsner Health about staying healthy at home during this time!
Parent ToolkitWe recognize this is a different time for all of us, and one that is new. We are working hard right now for our healthcare community, but we are also still planning for an amazing summer.
At this time, we are postponing all March open house events. We will work on virtual Q&A sessions to answer any questions you might have about a particular summer camp program. We will update any changes to our camp programs & events through our website, www.KidcamCamps.com, individual camp Facebook pages, and email. Each camp Facebook page is listed on the camp location page of Kidcam’s website.
We will be extending the 20% full summer session discount through April 30, and you have until May 9 to save 10% when you buy 3+ weeks. Also, if we do have to cancel any summer program, or your child’s school year is extended into the beginning part of the summer, we will refund whatever is needed as it relates to your world. This year, there is no end date on when you can request a refund. Life is fluid right now, and we want you to know you’re protected if you have to make changes to your summer plans.
‘In challenging times like these, I am reminded of Albert Camus’s famous quote: “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer . . .” As camp professionals, we are experts at building optimism and community in the face of fear and uncertainty. Our summer experiences teach resilience, determination, kindness, and teamwork,’ Tom Rosenberg, President/CEO American Camp Association.
Please know, we, at Kidcam, are counting down the days until summer, and while that might seem far away, we will get there together.
Stay happy & well!
Best,
Melissa Conner
Kidcam Camps, President & CEO
