Letter: Stay Connected as We Look Ahead to 2021
The following letter was sent to alumni and recent donors on Thursday, May 28, informing them that the Camping & Education, LLC board had voted unanimously to cancel all 2020 summer programming amid the coronavirus pandemic. A similar letter was sent to camper parents and staff members the day before.
Dear friends of Kooch-i-ching and Ogichi Daa Kwe,
Delivering difficult news is never easy, and this is undoubtedly the toughest news we’ve ever had to share.
On Tuesday evening, the Camping & Education Board of Trustees convened and voted as one to cancel all summer programming at Camp Kooch-i-ching, Ogichi Daa Kwe and Owakonze. As the true impact of the vote reverberated across the call, the disappointment was immense. At the same time, we took comfort in knowing that we had made the correct decision.
“As the true impact of the vote reverberated across the call, the disappointment was immense. At the same time, we took comfort in knowing that we had made the correct decision.”
Three months ago, our leadership team embarked on a journey to find a way to safely open Kooch-i-ching and Ogichi amid a global health crisis. For the first time in our 96-year history, we faced the real possibility that camp would not happen. In those early days, this scenario seemed surreal, almost impossible to grasp. And yet, it became a reality.
The decision we reached was guided by a robust process. We assembled an incredible team of advisors in the medical, legal, insurance and academic fields, and leaned on experts throughout the broader camping industry, including many of our friendly competitors. Collectively, their advice and support helped us remain objective and led us to the following conclusion:
We do not have a solid legal basis for opening camp this summer. The risk—to our campers, to our staff, and to our organization as a whole—is simply too great.
The American Camp Association (ACA) guidelines for operating amid this pandemic are incomplete and confusing. The messages and guidelines coming from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are equally unclear. Reliable testing remains out of reach, and the absence of a coordinated reopening strategy is deeply troubling, given that our campers and staff come from all over the country. We still do not have approval from the state of Minnesota.
In addition to these factors, our insurance team was very concerned about liability exposure. Our advisors in Canada informed us that access to our usual canoe routes would be difficult, not only because the border is closed, but because Canadian summer camps are prohibited from opening this summer. Our medical team, which remained supportive and optimistic throughout the process, acknowledged that medical uncertainties were continuing to grow, and that we were simply running out of time. In the end, all of our advisors recommended that we not move forward with the 2020 season.
As anyone who has conquered a seemingly endless portage knows, a glimpse of water through the trees—however tiny or brief—means that the end is in sight, even if it’s still a long way off.
“As anyone who has conquered a seemingly endless portage knows, a glimpse of water through the trees—however tiny or brief—means that the end is in sight, even if it’s still a long way off.”
Those of us who work for Kooch-i-ching, Ogichi and the Foundation can see the final destination: the 2021 season, which we guarantee will be the best summer ever. Our summer and full-time staff is already hard at work, improving our methods and exploring new ways of thinking. We will use this gift of time—something we never have enough of—to tackle major projects and rededicate ourselves to our mission.
Many of you have reached out to us and asked, “How can we help?” More than anything, we encourage you to stay connected with those in your community, even if it’s just to say hi. Pick up the phone. Send a note. If you’ve ever returned from a challenging canoe trip to find a letter or two in your mailbox, then you know how uplifting it is to receive a handwritten message. Each of us is struggling in our own way, and everyone can use a little encouragement.
Of course, we also need your support as an organization. Every year, we count on our alumni, friends and camper parents to help us deliver a best-in-class program. This year, that support is more important than ever. If you are able to make a donation now, we encourage you to do so.
To make a one-time or recurring donation online, visit campingedu.org/givenow.
Checks should be made out to the Camping & Education Foundation and mailed to 3515 Michigan Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208.
Please contact our fundraising coordinator, Laura Andersen, with any questions. She can be reached at laura@campingedu.org or (513) 772-7479.
About a week ago, a thoughtful and compassionate friend of ours offered this advice: “Keep following your process, tap into your deep connection with the Law of the Woods, and let it guide you through to the other side of the trail.” The Law of the Woods has been our rudder and guiding code of ethics for many decades now, yet it has never been more important. Be strong. Be brave. Be kind. Be helpful. Be joyful.
We will come through this challenging period more resilient, more compassionate and more grateful than ever. This place is truly full of memories, and the members of our extended camp family—new and old—will continue to make lasting memories for many generations to come. From all of us at Kooch-i-ching, Ogichi and the Foundation, we thank you in advance for your support.
Be well, and enjoy the great outdoors this summer!