Until We Meet Again in 2021
Dear Gwynn Valley Families,
We want to thank you for your patience, support, and love over the past several months as we’ve all been trying to imagine how camp might fit in with this pandemic. As we get closer to summer, no words can express the sadness we feel as we announce the closure of all 2020 camp sessions, including Day Camp, as well as the 85th reunion.
Knowing how much our campers and staff look forward to their time at Gwynn Valley, we considered all possible options for how camp might run this summer. In reviewing all of the information released by the state, the CDC, and the American Camp Association, and dialoguing with public health and medical professionals, we were struck by the multitude of ways that the camp experience would be limited. We ultimately felt that the quality of program and community experience that you know and love would be too greatly impacted by managing the health and safety risks associated with coronavirus. Camp is about community, friendships, and relationship building, and we do not want to sacrifice these core tenets that make camp the magical place it is.
Allowing Space to Grieve and Hope
As the days lengthen and warm, we struggle to imagine not welcoming campers and staff to Gwynn Valley. It is incredibly sad for us to think about empty cabins, a vacant dining hall, and quiet trails. We will miss you terribly this summer! We know you must be heartbroken as we are.
Remember that the camp experience builds resilience, and this moment affords us opportunities for growth. We will come together again to celebrate the many special moments of camp in 2021, campfires, singing, fellowship, Tajar Ball, adventures, and more. This summer, we will continue to reach out to our families to help keep the spirit of Gwynn Valley alive in each of you. We hope your family will embrace the values of Gwynn Valley by getting outside, being kind to others, and celebrating the simple joys that can be found in each day. And until we meet again, may God continue to hold you in the palm of his hand.
Financial Logistics
We want to reassure our families whose sessions have closed that we are committed to working with you to either roll over tuition paid, provide a refund, or a combination of the two depending on what is best for your individual family. In conjunction with any of the refund options above, you may elect to allocate a portion of your refund or tuition rollover as a donation to the Gwynn Valley Campership Foundation. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your donation is tax deductible.
About Gwynn Valley Campship Foundation Donations
We believe strongly that camp should be made available to children across socio-economic lines. The Gwynn Valley Campership Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, helps realize this value by providing scholarships to campers. In 2019, the Campership Foundation allocated $37,000 in scholarship funds, and an additional $100,000 of Gwynn Valley’s operational budget supported camper financial aid. This funding may be more important than ever for the 2021 summer, since we anticipate that the year ahead will bring financial hardship for many in our country.
How Can We Help?
We imagine you may have questions or may just want to say hi and talk. If so, please feel free to call or email us. We are holding each member of our Gwynn Valley community in our hearts.
Our best to you and your family,
Anne and Grant (Owners and Directors)
Maggie (Director)
