Wednesday, May 13, 2020 

Dear Shire Village Camp Community, Friends, and Families,

Since early March, the Shire Village Camp Board of Directors has been meeting, first in person and then via Zoom, to closely follow the COVID-19 crisis. After careful thought, consideration, and deliberation, the Board of Directors has determined that in light of the current health crisis, Shire Village Camp will not open for the summer of 2020. This decision was one we did not take lightly. It stemmed from our concern for the health and safety of our the campers and staff in these times of social distancing and disease mitigation. We know that this is the correct decision for these tender times, but are deeply saddened by the finality of it. 

The Board of Directors recognizes how distressing this decision is for campers, staff, and families when, for the first time in forty-nine summers, we will not gather together in Cummington, MA. It is hard to imagine that the bell will not ring to awaken campers, to call our community to the A-frame for Optionals, or to assemble for meal time announcements. We are confident that we will gather together next summer.

We know that each member of the SVC community will respond to the news in different ways but the Board wants to send a specific message to each of you:


Campers

We know that many of you count the days to the start of camp and to hear that SVC will not be open this summer is disappointing news.  We would not be surprised to learn that you are feeling sadness, anger, or frustration.  Please know that we will be back next summer—our 50th—and we want to see you there. You will be missed so much! We hope that you will join us for a virtual meeting to check in about camp and answer your questions. We have scheduled several meetings based on the first letter of your bunk placement last summer. For new campers, current grades are listed:

  • ​S and W (8th and 9th grade) on Thursday, May 21 at 4PM

  • E and R (5th-7th grade) on Thursday, May 21 at 5PM

  • A and B (3rd and 4th grade) on Thursday, May 21 at 6PM

Staff

Camp’s community renews each summer, beginning with our incredible, dedicated staff. Your energy, enthusiasm and commitment to Shire Village’s values and mission are fundamental to our campers’ summer experience. We are so grateful for your ongoing commitment to the SVC community. Whether you are returning staff, or those excited to start their first summer as an SVC employee, please stay in touch! We will miss you and hope we will see you in 2021. Please join us for two meetings to discuss our decision and answer questions:

  • Returning Staff-  Saturday, May 16th at 5PM

  • New Staff-  Saturday, May 16th at 6PM

Families, Friends, and Alumni

Every summer, you trust us to provide your camper with a unique experience which allows them to return home with a sense of greater independence and a connection to others. We are saddened that we will not get to spend the summer with your wonderful campers- they are the reason we are committed to our mission. As we all move forward, please join us at a meeting on Sunday, May 17th at 5PM to discuss our decision and answer any questions 

 

Please complete this RSVP form. Links to the meetings will be emailed to the community on the day of the meeting.

 

SVC Policy Refunds/Donations

The Shire Village Camp Board is committed to giving full refunds for any or all parts of the Summer 2020 deposit and tuition. We would also welcome all or any part of your tuition payment as a tax-deductible contribution to Shire Village Camp to help us to cover the cost for maintaining the property or to build up our campership program.

Full or Partial Refunds: We know that many families are also facing their own hardships. We can process a full refund in the amount paid or mail back uncashed checks. Checks will be sent in about 4-6 weeks.   

Please complete our Refund/Donation Form.

Year after year Shire Village Camp strived to create an atmosphere that fosters kindness and collaboration. We hope that after each summer campers take steps forward to build a just and humane world.  Even though we are not uniting together this summer in Cummington, we hope that campers, families, and staff will call on those ideals as we navigate these challenging times. We hope that you are safe and well. Please reach out if we can be of help in any way. We will look forward to being together again in Cummington one day.

In friendship and care,

The Shire Village Camp Board of Directors:

Liz Adamo

Heather Burchyns

Jeremiah Butler, Assistant Director

Ben Doren

Bryan Makower

Claire, McDonnell

Louis Minsky, Associate Director

Beth Schneider, Registrar

Noah Schwartzberg

Jim Signorelli, Camp Manager

Patti Smith, Director

Maggie Uschakow, Associate Director