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| Our new welcome sign. |
Yes, we've added a little bit more ornamentation up at the front entrance of 4-H Camp!
Now, some might think it a bit ironic to install a brand-new "Welcome to 4-H Camp" sign specifically at a time that we are unable to currently welcome anyone to 4-H Camp.
But we don't think so! We think it's perfectly fitting! Here's why:
1) We're spending a lot of time and energy looking forward to when we once again CAN welcome folks back to Camp!
At this point, we are both hopeful and optimistic that we will be able to run the 2020 Summer Season in some semblance of "business as usual." As summer camp is still over 3 months away, it is of course still far to early too know, but ideally that large amount of time will work to the benefit of being able to hold Camp. Overnight summer camps are overseen closely by the State and County Health Departments, and we will of course be following their policies and guidelines, as well as those of Rutgers University, as to how to proceed. We'll keep you in the loop, and you can join us in hoping for the best for 4-H Camp 2020.
2) As the Camp Family so well knows, 4-H Camp is not just a place! It's a state of mind. It's a set of ideas and ideals. And more than anything, it's a group of people! And in interesting times, we're trying to find new ways to welcome them.
Our staff has been thinking about all of our campers who have had their springs up-ended. and thought they could probably use a little early summer camp in their lives. Here's what we've come up with to offer:
- Tech Free Challenge Activities: Soon to be featured on RIGHT HERE on the Camp Blog, we'll have some do-it-yourself tech-free Campy projects curated by our summer staff. We know that we've ALL been spending a lot more time on our screens over the last few weeks, so these projects will allow campers to engage in some creativity and move around a bit as they engage in some at-home activities inspired by various aspects of the Camp day. (Starting this week on the Camp Blog.)
- Vespers: At Summer Camp, Vespers is a time in the evening to reflect on the day, and for a staff member to share a thought or lead a conversation. Seems like something we could use a little of right now! Tuesday-Thursday (the Camp days we hold Vespers), staff members will be sharing a video Vespers with the Camp Community. (Starting this week on Instagram @lindleygcook4hcamp and the Camp Blog.)
- Interactive Summer Camp At Home Programs: We're still putting this one together, but we imagine one of the things our campers miss the most is some interaction! Therefore, we'll be hosting some time for them to spend with summer staff and each other, playing games, singing songs, and having some fun "campy" conversations. We'll hold these via Zoom teleconferencing, and will be in touch soon with details as to schedule and how you can sign your camper up. (Probably kicking-off some time in the not-to-distant future. You'll receive updates!)
So! Until we can again welcome you to 4-H Camp...Welcome to 4-H Camp.
