Summer 2020 Camp Announcement
May 20, 2020
Dear Camp Bernadette and Camp Fatima Community,
For the past two months, our dedicated camp staff have been monitoring ongoing communications from the Center for Disease Control, the American Camping Association, the NH Governor’s Office, and our medical staff in order to best discern decisions on whether or not to postpone or cancel camp in light of Covid-19. After many hours of prayer and discussions, we are deeply saddened to announce that the 2020 camping season is cancelled in its entirety, including all regular sessions and Exceptional Citizens Week.
This news brings great sadness for all of us, who, during this time of social distancing, were looking forward to being together as a camp community. Our mission, guided by our Catholic faith, is necessary now more than ever during this time of uncertainty. The emersion into our camp culture of joy, engaging activities, and a true sense of belonging would bring much needed mental and spiritual healing to our campers and staff. This hope for camp fueled our desire to weigh many different scenarios and discuss all possibilities in attempt to keep camp open this summer while remaining true to our mission and committed to the safety of our campers, staff and families. For this reason, it is painful to cancel camp and this is not a decision we made lightly. However, as you can imagine the difficulties COVID-19 presents to overnight camping are numerous and we simply are unsure that any safety protocols will be enough to keep everyone safe. We are sure, however, that such protocols will not allow our typical standard of programming and create a camp experience much different from what everyone expects.
For the first time since 1949 for Camp Fatima, 1953 for Camp Bernadette, and 1954 for EC Week, our camps will be quiet during the summer months. This will bring a deep sense of loss for our campers, staff, and volunteers who had their hearts set on attending camp this summer. Take some time to mourn the loss of camp, but know that we are a resilient community and that we will get through this. In fact, the friendships you made at camp are the friendships you can lean on until we meet again next summer.
As camp now begins to switch gears and start planning for 2021, the camp staff will continue to pray for your wellbeing and will offer free camper virtual engagements through this summer so you can stay connected with your friends. We also plan to take this opportunity to undertake extensive repairs and renovations this summer and make camp better than ever for the 2021 season. We will keep you posted regarding these developments and all that happens at camp this summer.
Please see the video message below from your resident directors and the FAQ sheet, both of which we hope, will answer many of your questions. Please call us at 603-931-5500 with any additional questions you may have. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to hope for the future and look forward to seeing you back at camp to create even more memories that last a lifetime.
Our hope remains in the Lord, and we pray for each of you always.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
David A. Thibault
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
President, Camp Board of Directors