SUMMER 2020 UPDATES AND RESOURCES
UPDATED: 15 MAY 2020
Below you will find a statement from our Camp Director in regards to the suspension of Camp Daybreak in-person programming for the summer of 2020. Please browse through the resources that follow to support you and your family during these uncertain times.
Have any additional questions or concerns? Contact us and let us know how we can help.
May 15, 2020
Dear Friends,
I write today with a message I never imagined I would have to convey; in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, our Board and I have made the extremely difficult decision to suspend all Camp Daybreak in-person programming for the summer of 2020. As much as it saddens me to share this news, we all feel that it is necessary to prioritize the health, wellness and safety of our beloved community.
Please know that this decision was not made lightly. We have been closely monitoring emerging developments from the CDC and Vermont Health Department as well as reviewing recommendations issued by the American Camp Association. We have made this decision for 2020 in order to ensure the health and wellness of our campers, families, volunteers, and staff. It is always our top priority to be incredibly mindful and intentional regarding the safety of everyone involved in Camp Daybreak.
I know this is a disappointment to so many of our friends and family: to all the campers who look forward to coming, to our volunteers who literally countdown the days until we can be together again, and to me and the rest of the Leadership Team as well. This is not easy news to share and I am heartbroken. I know how hard this will be on many of you, as I know how hard it is for me, and in light of this, it’s more important than ever that we stick together as a community. We will be continuing to post on social media and we love interacting with you all. We will also be updating our website regularly and we hope to have a couple of surprises coming down the line. Stay in touch!
We all know how important this week is to our campers, their families, and our volunteers and we want you to know that Camp Daybreak isn’t going anywhere! With the help of the Leadership Team, I will be exploring ways to provide virtual programming throughout the summer. More to come on that later, so keep an eye on your emails. In the meantime, we’ve created an at home resources page on our website for campers, their families, and our volunteers.
For those of you who’ve been to Camp Daybreak before, you know that we never really say goodbye, we say see you later. And we mean it! I’m looking forward to coming back to in-person programming in 2021 and to keep Camp Daybreak as strong as ever! I can not wait to be back at Camp Daybreak, my favorite place, in the summer of 2021 and I hope to see you all there too!
See you next summer!
Trista Ringer
Director of Camp Daybreak
P.S. We hope you and your family are all healthy and safe during this time. If you or anyone you know is experiencing difficulties either due to COVID or any other mental health crisis. Here are the resources you can call to get assistance:
Clara Martin Center Crisis Line: 1-800-639-6360
Counseling Service of Addison County Crisis Line: 1-800-388-7641
Howard Center Crisis Line: 1-802-488-7777 (First Call for Chittenden County)
Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services Crisis Line: 1-800-622-4235
Lamoille County Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-802-888-8888 (weekends and after 4:30 weekdays) 1-802-888-5026 (Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm)
Northwestern Counseling and Support Services Crisis Line: 1-802-524-6554
Northeast Kingdom Human Services Crisis Line: (Derby) 1-802-334-6744 (St. Johnsbury) 1-802-748-3181
Pathways Peer Support Line: call or text 1-833-888-2557
Rutland Mental Health Services Crisis Line: 1-802-775-1000
United Counseling Service Crisis Line: (Manchester) 1-802-362-3950 (Bennington) 1-802-442-5491
Washington County Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-802-229-0591
How to Talk to Your Kids about Canceled Summer Plans
How to Help Your Child Cope with the Cancelation of Summer Camp
Tips for Talking to Your Camper About Camp This Summer
Coronavirus: A Book for Children and other activities.
Child Trends: Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
KidsHealth: Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child
On Our Sleeves: Behavioral Health Resources for Coronavirus
PBS Kids: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
NASP: Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19
How to Cope with the Cancelation of Summer Camp: Self-Care Reminders for Staff Members
How to Cope with the Cancelation of Summer Camp: Self-Care Reminders for Parents & Guardians
We Can Make It Work: Tips for Families Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic
Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety Resources
Child Mind Institute: Supporting Families During COVID-19
Active Minds: Mental Health Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic (Young Adults and College Students)
On Our Sleeves: Behavioral Health Resources for Coronavirus
FAQ:
We are putting together a resubmission form for 2020 applicants to reapply for Camp Daybreak’s 2021 session. You will be receiving a letter in the mail shortly explaining more in regards to 2021.
We are currently working on virtual programming and other opportunities for our campers, their families, volunteers that will be available throughout the summer and beyond. We are so excited to stay connected with you all!
This decision was not an easy one for us to make. Each May we reach out to the current year’s accepted campers. When the COVID pandemic began, we needed to weigh our options before letters went out — we knew it would be unfair to our campers and families to tell them that they were accepted for the 2020 Camp Daybreak session to then have to later tell them there would be no in person camp. We worked with our board of directors, connected with our partners at Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, and consulted with many camp directors throughout the country. Our priority is the safety of our campers and their families, volunteers, and staff; our decision is one that our networks fully support and understand during this time of uncertainty.
We are beyond grateful to the members of our community — our alumni, guests, camper families, volunteers, and staff — who have recognized the challenges like this can pose to a non-profit organization such as our. For those that are able and interested, please DONATE HERE. Thank you for your support of children and families during this uncertain time.
We have been gathering a list of At Home Resources that get us excited to learn, move and rest while spending more time at home right now. Check them out here.
Stay in Touch