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Dear 2021 Camp Families and Aloha Foundation Community Members,
We have been busy these past months. The pause in programming this summer has given us the time and opportunity to evaluate core aspects of our six main programs—Horizons Day Camp; our residential camps Aloha, Hive, and Lanakila; Ohana Family Camp; and the Hulbert Outdoor Center. Despite our inability to be together in person, we have found ways to work closely as a team, with a unified and focused look to our future.
Below you’ll find preliminary information and updates, which we hope will be helpful as you think ahead to next summer.
2021 Summer Season and COVID Update for All Programs
We are planning to offer all five of our summer programs, with modifications, for the 2021 season: Aloha, Hive, Horizons, Lanakila, and Ohana. We can’t wait to return! At the same time, we are realistic, knowing that these are challenging times and we may need to adjust our plans as summer gets closer.
The health and safety of our campers and staff is our highest priority and we will be implementing new protocols this summer. We expect some changes will be mandated by the State of Vermont, while other decisions will be made in consultation with federal, state, and local experts in the fields of medicine and public health.
This is our current thinking based on what we know now, and our website will be updated as new information becomes available:
- We will adapt our health and safety measures to best support current practices and protocols. For now, we anticipate the use of masks, social distancing, temperature checks, and frequent handwashing. For residential campers and staff who live outside of Vermont, we expect to require quarantine prior to arrival and the administration of rapid COVID tests.
- We may need to alter our camp-sponsored transportation options (bus capacity and airport pick-ups will likely need to be modified to meet COVID restrictions, including local transportation for Horizons and the NYC bus for residential campers).
- We will have a no-visitor policy (this will include a quick drop-off and pick-up process, no Open Houses at Horizons, no Show Weekend at the residential camps, no day visitors at Ohana).
- In light of the continued uncertainties related to COVID, we pushed back the due date for camp tuition to May 1 for all summer programs in 2021.
- In addition to Upper Valley Pediatrics, our local camp physicians, we are exploring an additional partnership to support mental and behavioral health.
We understand changes resulting from COVID requirements will impact families in varying ways. We are confident in our ability to help children and families have a wonderful experience this summer and we are eager to do everything we can to support those wishing to attend.
2021 Horizons Day Camp
Registration for Horizons will open on Tuesday, January 5. We are constantly monitoring the health situation in the Upper Valley and considering options for summer 2021. We will be reaching out to Horizons families in the coming months to confirm session dates and specifics.
2021 Ohana Family Camp
Registration for Ohana will open Wednesday, November 11. We hope to host our annual Memorial Day Weekend Family Camp (5/28-5/31) to open the season. Consider joining us for the fun! Registration for that weekend will open at the same time as family camp registration.
2021 Residential Camps (Aloha, Hive, and Lanakila) and Youth Leadership Program
Registration for Aloha, Hive, Lanakila, and Youth Leadership Program (YLP) will open Wednesday, November 11. We are committed to supporting children’s needs with values-centered programming and are instituting the following changes this year.
- Youngest Campers at Hive and Lanakila
Campers at both Hive and Lanakila must be 3rd grade graduates (and at least age 8 and 10 months by July 1). Directors will have discretion to make exceptions in certain cases. - Elfin Program (Introductory Residential Experiences for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Graders)
We will not offer the 11-day Elfin session at Hive in summer 2021 and will re-evaluate this option for Hive and Lanakila for future summers. - Transition from Hive to Aloha
Starting summer 2021, the oldest campers at Hive will be 7th grade graduates (13-year-olds). The youngest campers at Aloha will be 8th grade graduates (14-year-olds). We believe this will provide important leadership opportunities for our 13-year-old campers and give younger Hivers mentors at camp. It will also allow the program at Aloha to focus even more intentionally on the needs and capabilities of teenagers and young leaders. - Older Campers at Lanakila
As in previous summers, 8th grade graduates (14-year-olds) will be the oldest campers at Lanakila, other than the 1st Year Bridge Program participants. 9th grade graduates (15-year-olds) will be served in the new Youth Leadership Program (below). - Youth Leadership Program (YLP)
Our new mixed-gender leadership program for 15-18-year-olds will be based on our campuses in Vermont in summer 2021. We will offer multiple leadership opportunities focused on service, teaching and mentoring, a sustainable building and community project, and an extended wilderness trip. - 1st Year Bridge Program at Lanakila and Club Program at Aloha
These open-enrollment camper programs provide leadership skills useful in all aspects of life—at camp and elsewhere. The full-season Club and 1st Year Bridge Programs—designed for tenth grade graduates—are the same tuition as our other programs. Enrollment for both programs is on a first-come, first-served basis, without selectivity. - Counselors-in-Training (CIT) at the Residential Camps
Our counselors-in-training at the overnight camps, age 17 or older, are paid employees. The Midi Program is based at Hive. The 2nd Year Bridge Program is based at Lanakila. We welcome all to apply and placement for those selected will be determined by camp directors. Applications will be available in December.
We look forward to hosting camp again on the shores of Lake Fairlee and Lake Morey. We are optimistic and realistic, knowing that things are changing every day. Our ability to adapt is important. As decisions are made, we’ll update our website and stay in touch!
Warm regards,
Vanessa
Vanessa Mendillo Riegler
Executive Director
