Dear Camp Stein Families,
Here in the Camp Stein office we are continuing as much as possible with all of our usual pre-camp planning and preparation for a season of learning, friendship, discovery, adventure, and lots of fun! With that in mind, and in light of the uncertainty we are all experiencing right now due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we want you to know that we are already thinking about possible changes to the upcoming camp season and are working intensively now to consider how best to meet the needs of Camp Stein and your family.
We are closely monitoring the impact that COVID-19 is having on our communities and the world around us, and we are sending thoughts for health and healing to all who have been impacted already. Health, safety and the Jewish value of pikuach nefesh, (saving a life) are our top priorities and we are coordinating our summer and year-round programming with the support and guidance of the Union for Reform Judaism, the American Camp Association, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, the Association for Independent Jewish Camp, J-Camp 180, as well as local, state and federal health agencies. The status of COVID-19 and our community’s response are evolving. As we learn more, we will continue to update you about any potential impact on camp for this summer.
These developments can be stressful, and we are all tasked with working to provide the necessary support to our loved ones – especially our children. With that in mind, here are some resources that may be helpful:
- This infographic is very clear and explains what is happening right now and why folks are being asked to stay home.
- PJ Library has a terrific library of online resources for families who are practicing social distancing and not engaging in play-dates etc…Many of these are for younger children but the inner child in each of us may find something useful here!
- And here is a link to an article about Jewish Overnight Camps in general, and the collective responses to the current situation. My favorite quote from this article is:
“This is what camp directors do…We’re not used to COVID-19 but we’re used to crisis management. Camp directors right now are staying calm and being like, get your communication, get your parents, get your teams together and we’re gonna ride this out.”
It is in that spirit of riding it out that I say to you, here in the Camp Stein offices we are preparing, we are planning, and we are moving forward for an amazing summer with your kids! If you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming camp season, please contact the us at camp@cbiaz.org or 480-951-0323. We are as committed as ever to supporting your family and we are here to assist in any way that we can. We wish you all the best and hope that your family is healthy and safe during these challenging times.
In good health,
Leah Zigmond
Camp Director, Camp Daisy and Harry Stein
March 17, 2020
