After lots of research, careful thought and much consideration, CCWA – Paradise Farm Camps has decided not to run our traditional camp programs this summer. Although it was very difficult to reach this conclusion, we truly believe it is in the best interests of the children, our staff members and our organization.
There were many factors that led us to this outcome. We reviewed all guidance and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. We also worked closely with the American Camp Association, whom we are accredited by and members of. ACA hired a team of environmental health experts and medical professionals to assist member organizations in determining whether to deliver programs this summer, and if so, what they should look like with all of the realities we continue to face with the COVID crisis.
We also consulted extensively with our Camp Nurse and other medical professionals. Through these consultations, we became seriously concerned with things we could not control. The fact that the virus spreads from individuals who are asymptomatic makes it especially difficult. All it would take would be for one person, a staff member or a camper, to come into the camp environment, not even knowing they had the virus, to then spread it. That was a risk we were not willing to take.
CCWA was founded in 1875 and we have been connecting children to the outdoors ever since. In 1913, we opened Paradise Farm Camps here at our special place in East Bradford Township. This will be the first summer we have not run formal programs. Our legacy of service will continue, with this slight pause.
We pride ourselves on being a youth development organization. As we explored our options for this summer, while aiming to be compliant with all guidance and recommendations, camp would be reduced to nothing more than socially-distanced day care. In the end, what we would have been able to deliver did not “feel” like Paradise Farm Camps. It would not be worthy of our organization. We thought it was better to stay true to our values and what makes us different and special.
This summer, we will take the time to imagine ways to strengthen and improve everything we do and our special place. Thanks so very much for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Andy Schaum
President & CEO
CCWA – Paradise Farm Camps
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