Rolling into 2021

The Mechanics

The mechanics of operating

As outlined in our last letter, there is one model where we are directing most of our planning efforts, and that is a full-length or nearly full-length season with a late start and a near-isolation approach. The new target first day of camp for us, and this may change again, is July 10. We would hope to operate as many of our usual programs that we can. All activities would be in-camp (no trips, no visitors), and campers would arrive by car. 

There will be heightened screening restrictions and a commitment from parents to be ready to take home campers in case of illness. Parents would have to fill out swim forms, health forms, and complete payment over the course of a few days instead of weeks. It would be rushed for you to get packed and for us to get ready, but we will open if we can for what would surely be the most memorable summer in history.

The mechanics of not operating

Please note: If we do operate, these provisions also apply to families who, for whatever reason, choose not to attend.

Please trust that we plan to handle closure in the same way we handle camp: with honesty and transparency. Here are the specific details if we do not operate this summer.

To say this all simply:

If you are sure you are not attending in 2021, we will be giving you a full refund. If you are even considering returning in 2021, please leave your registration with us, at least for now, and change your mind at any time before March 1 at no penalty. In addition to helping camp, you and your family will have access to a multi-year incentive as our thank you.

Here are all the details:

• 100% REFUND for those families who cannot return in 2021: The fees you have paid for 2020 are 100% refundable. We hope you will apply your fees as a credit to next year, but if you don’t, we will refund your fees in full on or before Sept. 1 (If your need for a refund is even more urgent, you will have an opportunity to let us know, and we will make every effort to accelerate this.)
• 100% CREDIT for those families intending to return in 2021: We are hoping you will agree to let us “roll” your camper’s registration into 2021 – one year older, one half unit later*, but in the same cabin group. Your fees will be fully credited.
• NO STRESS: We don’t want you to feel any pressure to make quick decisions about the future. “Rolling” your registration into 2021 secures your spot. You can cancel at any time before March 1, 2021 at no cost to you. For example, if you decide to “roll” into 2021 now, but want to cancel in the Fall, you will receive your 100% refund in the Fall. Please note: we will be opening up camp to new campers on August 15.
• LOYALTY to you first and making sure that your spots at Walden remain yours. We will not open registration to new campers until we’ve heard from all of you and given you a chance to be comfortable about your decision.
• INCENTIVES for those families who keep their funds with us and intend to return: As a special thank you, those families that agree to leave whatever funds paid to date, will freeze their fees for both the 2021 and 2022 seasons at 2020 rates. Whatever sessions and discount options you choose for your campers in 2021 and 2022, you will get the rate indicated on the 2020 rate card. This can be applied to any new younger siblings as well. We can’t imagine a world where rates go up significantly in 2021 but rates will have to increase in 2022. We hope this incentive is seen as significant because we want to significantly say thank you to the families that stay with us through this unprecedented time.
• CONNECTION to you and your family throughout this “long pause” in groups online, but also personally when permitted: In the event of closure, we, as camp directors, will find ourselves with some extra time on our hands this summer. We intend to use that time to connect personally with each of you and to listen to your ideas for Walden’s present and future.

A few words about camp finances

We have two unexpected and massive burdens: the loss of a year’s revenue and income, and the additional costs associated with keeping the site safe while unused for a whole year – these are no small costs. These burdens are entirely ours. None of this is your responsibility. But we, the Birenbaums and Grossingers, are two families in partnership, and our small business looks like it will be shut down for a full year.

We wanted you to understand why we need to ask you the following: Please stay with us! 

Please return to camp in 2021… and please leave your funds with us while you wait. Whether you do or not, we promise that we will spend all this unexpected extra time making the summer of 2021 a summer that the kids will always remember.