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Newsletters and Updates – Now and Then
This is where our most current information is posted to keep you up-to-date on everything that’s happening at camp. If you’ve already signed up to receive our camp news and updates, then you’ll receive our newsletters automatically, sent straight to your email inbox. Our Facebook page is another great location to check for current events and new photos.
April 2023 Newsletter | April 26, 2023
Happy Spring Camp Family! Help Us Build Our Campership Fund!
April 2023 Newsletter
February 2023 Newsletter | February 7, 2023
2023 registration is open, annual fund, 2023’s lineup of programs, check out our new calendar, CBNW is hiring, community sponsors and more!
January 2023 Newsletter | January 5, 2023
2023 registration is now open! Check out camp gear, Beausite birthdays, 2023 hiring and more!
December 2022 Newsletter | December 7, 2022
Final program of the year! 2023 registration, Giving Thanks camp, annual fund, hiring 2023 and more …
November 2022 Newsletter | November 3, 2022
Camp programs, annual fund, camp video, camperships, hiring & volunteer opportunities and more …
CBNW 2022 Annual Fund | October 15, 2022
Kicking off on October 15th is the CBNW first ever Annual Fund Campaign that will run for a full month. Click the link below to learn how important this fund is and why it is so necessary. And be sure to check out our new camp video!
October 2022 Newsletter | October 5, 2022
Annual fund, camp video release, weekend programs, 2022 hiring and more …
September 2022 Newsletter | September 2, 2022
Fall weekend programs, 2022 hiring, calendar, CBNW Board of Advisors and more …
Beausite Summer Camp Information | May 30, 2022
Come join us for a summer of fun you’ll never forget!
May 2022 Newsletter | May 1, 2022
Register Now – Spaces are filling, new COVID policies, get involved!
April 2022 Newsletter | April 2, 2022
Care for Camp Day, Girls camp, spring and summer camps, registration is open and more …
March 2022 Newsletter | March 1, 2022
Spring and summer camps, annual fund – donors needed, now hiring, 2022 calendar.
February 2022 Newsletter | February 2, 2022
2022 CBNW ANNUAL FUND
The 2022 Annual fund is ALL about our campers and our programs! We need your help now, more than ever. Did you know that there are over 45,000 individuals eligible for respite funding in the state of Washington, but only 6,600 are awarded funding? Did you know that there are over 110,000 people living with developmental delays in Washington State? Did you know that there are only 5 residential camp programs in the Pacific Northwest that support our campers and their families?
Camp Beausite Northwest is committed to raising a minimum of $50,000 this year to support our camper scholarship program as well as the development of new programs that provide more opportunities for our campers and their families. Can you become one of our donors? Would you be able to increase your donation amount this year? Will you help us spread the word with your friends and family?
The growth that we are expecting is significant and the need is even greater – we need your help. I know our camp community can pull this off – it takes a village. Help us, Help them.
This is What We Need – Can You Be One of These Donors?
Tier 1: $1,000.00 – We need 20+ Donors
Tier 2: $500.00 – We need 25+ Donors
Tier 3: $250.00 – We need 30+ Donors
Tier 4: $100.00 – We need 50+ Donors
Tier 5: $50.00 – We need 100+ Donors
Our new secure online giving allows for reoccurring giving – Monthly, Quarterly, and Annually.
Click here to Donate Now.
We have giving options for all. If you feel most comfortable giving via check, please make the check out to:
Camp Beausite Northwest
P.O. Box 1227
Port Hadlock, WA 98339
SPRING & SUMMER CAMPS
Registration is Open!
We are thrilled to be offering several fun-packed, enriching day, weekend and week-long camp sessions for Spring and Summer 2022!
WEEKEND CAMPS
March 4-6 Boys Camp
March 25-27 Girls Camp
April 15-17 Science Camp
May 6-8 Farm Camp
DAY CAMPS
February 26
March 19
April 9
April 30
SUMMER CAMPS
June 13-18 Harry Potter Camp
June 20-25 Camposaurus Rox Camp
June 27-July 2 Superheroes Camp
July 4-9 Party in the USA Camp
July July 11-16 Fairy Tales Camp
July 18-23 Space Rangers Camp
July 25-30 Christmas in July Camp
CAMP APPAREL FUNDRAISER
2022 HIRING
2022 CALENDAR
STAY UP TO DATE!
Visit our fantastic calendar to keep track of day camps, weekend camps, summer camps, events, fundraisers, and more!
January 2022 Newsletter | January 3, 2022
Camp Beausite Northwest January Newsletter
Hello Camp Family,
We’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year from all of us here at Camp Beausite NW! We say goodbye to 2021 and welcome a new year of fun at camp. Maneuvering through this pandemic has been hard, but the smiles and laughs we’ve shared along the way have made this last year one to remember.
Winter Wonderland Camp
Our last session of camp for 2021 was truly magical. The time flew by as we crafted wreaths, hunted for ornaments, decorated trees, sang songs and danced along. As we said our goodbyes, snow began to fall here at camp.
Check out our Winter Camp album on Facebook!
2022
Registration – 2022 CBNW registration is now open! Make an account and register for programs today! We’re hosting day camps, weekend camps, and week-long camps!
Camp Calendar – There are weekend and day camp programs quickly approaching. Make sure to check out our camp calendar so you don’t miss a thing!
Annual Fund – Every dollar makes a difference. Please help Camp Beausite continue to provide quality camp experiences for people of all abilities.
Spring Weekend Camps
We are thrilled to be offering several fun-packed, enriching weekend camp sessions for Spring 2022!
March 4–6 Boys Camp
March 25–27 Girls Camp
April 15–17 Science Camp
May 6–8 Farm Camp
To see all activities planned for the year, go to our Camp Calendar!
December 2021 Newsletter | December 3, 2021
Camp Beausite Northwest December Newsletter
Hello Camp Family!
We hope you’re all having a happy and healthy holiday season thus far. We at CBNW are excited to share the festive fun we’ve been having this fall, as well as share what’s in store for 2022.
Give the Gift of Giving
We have raised $1,800 so far, keep up the great work! Thank you for helping CBNW fund our campers and our programs! There is no greater gift. You can donate through our Facebook page or on our website.
CBNW Annual Fund
Dollars for Camperships & Programs
$5,000 GOAL by 12/31/21
DONATE NOW!
AN UPDATE FROM RAINA
Hello Camp Family!
I am so excited to share with you how wonderful our fall programming has been. It has been good for my soul. The campers, the parents, the guardians, the staff – wow! My cup was so depleted and now it is filling again. After almost 2 years of no camp programs, and riding the COVID chaos out alone at camp, day in and day out. Having our campers back to camp has been the best thing ever. Additionally, we have been so blessed with some grants and have been able to add M, our program director, to our full-time staff team and Tinna, our program coordinator, to our seasonal staff team. Finally, we managed to find the most amazing and kind staff to come and work this fall. And they will all be joining us again for the spring. To say that CBNW is lucky, is an understatement. We have made it through to the other side of all of this and we are so much better for it. Your continued support and generosity, your cards in the mail and words of encouragement. You all helped us keep the lights on through the toughest part of the pandemic and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. Tinna, M, and I have been focused on 2022 and the awesomeness that is going to be 8 weekend camps, 7 weeks of Summer camp, and FAMILY CAMP!!!!
We can’t wait to get back to camp in the spring and we hope that you will all join us. In this newsletter is some information about our 2022 calendar and upcoming programs – it is the biggest camp calendar in CBNW history! WOO HOO! But with that comes some questions about how we are going to proceed regarding COVID. We have two basic answers for you that will come to light in the next few months as our new operating mandates and regulations play out for the 2022 season.
As most of you know, we are a certified respite provider through the state of Washington. This means that CBNW is subject to all of the same regulations that state employees are subject to. All of our staff, vendors, volunteers, etc., must be vaccinated and this will most likely not change in the near future. At present, CBNW has made the decision to require all campers to be vaccinated as well. We also realize that this poses some challenges for some of our families for a myriad of reasons (medical, religious, fear of needles, adverse reactions etc.). Based off of guidelines, mandates, local health authorities, and the state requirements, CBNW will either be 1) Fully Vaccinated or 2) 80% campers vaccinated with unvaccinated campers doing a PCR test 72 hours prior to arrival (staff fully). We will keep you all posted and will be rolling out our 2022 COVID Handbook for everyone to ensure that all of our families can know all of our processes so they can choose what makes sense for them.
I am so excited for all things 2022 and I can’t wait to see as many of you as possible. I hope your holidays are full of love, light, and joy.
Yours In Camping,
Raina Baker
OUR FALL 2021 SO FAR
We Had a Dino-mite Time at Dinosaur Camp!
The fun never stopped at Dinosaur Camp from the dino egg hunt, scavenger hunts, dino dance parties, a surprise ice cream truck, dinosaur crafts, and more.
Giving Thanks Camp
We feel so fortunate to have camp again after so long, and it is all thanks to our lovely staff, volunteers, donors, and camp families. The hard work of many has made it possible for us to host yet another session of camp, and we’re so thankful.
Giving Thanks Camp was an amazing weekend filled with scavenger hunts, games, dancing, eating phenomenal food and so much more.
Community Sponsors
The love and support we get from our community are what keep CBNW going. The assistance we get from our sponsors supports programming, medical and care staffing, and delicious meals.
Hiring 2022
Camp Beausite NW is hiring multiple positions for the year 2022. We serve people of all ages, of all abilities. Join an incredible team of individuals at the happiest place on earth!
Join the CBNW Board of Advisors
OPEN POSITIONS
Are you interested in getting more involved with CBNW? The Board of Advisors has a few positions open, and we would love for you to apply.
- 3-year term commitment with 8 meetings per year. 5 meetings are via Zoom, 3 meetings are in person.
- A collaborative partnership with the executive director and fellow advisors is how we get our work done.
- Looking for those with insight and experience from industries like HR, marketing, medical, camping, education, facilities management, funds development, special education, and the nonprofit sector. Though not a requirement – passion goes a long way.
For more information or to inquire about applying, please contact Raina Baker, Executive Director at rbaker@campbeausitenw.org.
Giving
Every dollar makes a difference. Please help Camp Beausite continue to provide quality camp experiences for persons who are differently-abled. Every $5, $10, $25, and more, can help us serve our campers and their families, while growing our programs.
November 2021 Newsletter | November 9, 2021
Camp Beausite Northwest November Newsletter
Hello Camp Family!
We have so much to share with you! We hope everyone is having a festive, fantastic fall so far – we sure are here at CBNW! Read on to see more about Fall Camp, Campership opportunities, Summer Camp, and more!
Fall 2021 Weekend Camps
WE’RE HAVING A BLAST THIS FALL!
We kicked off the season with Outer Space Camp! We hunted for alien eggs to save the baby aliens. We crafted tin foil hats to keep up with the latest futuristic fashion trends. We had an out-of-this world dance party … in our pajamas!
HALLOWEEN CAMP WAS A SPOOKTACULAR TIME!
We celebrated Halloween with a pumpkin hunt, costume party, trick-or-treating and more! We sang, laughed, and enjoyed the presence of one another in the festive spirit of Halloween. CBNW was graced with the presence of Iron Man, Cruella de Vil, Harry Potter … The guest list goes on and on!
Fall 2021 Fundraiser
We continue to face challenges of funding through the pandemic. Once again we are asking for your support in helping us to provide the camp experience and respite for our campers and their families around the PNW.
Please consider donating to CBNW in your year-end donations for this year! Click here to donate now.
Virtual Programs
Join us on ZOOM!
We’re having a fabulous time catching up with our camp family through our virtual programs! From tours of the ocean, to movie trivia, to pet show-and-tell, there’s lots to see and do!
Sign up today, free of charge! Sign Me Up!
Upcoming Weekend Programs
There are still adventures to be had this fall! We have TONS of incredible programing planned, and can’t wait to experience the magic this fall!
Head over to our registration page to enroll for the remaining sessions.
NOVEMBER 12–14: DINOSAUR CAMP
NOVEMBER 19–21: GIVING THANKS CAMP
DECEMBER 10–12: WINTER WONDERLAND CAMP
Campership Opportunities
Does your camper need some assistance paying for camp? CBNW does everything in our power to ensure that anyone who wants to come to camp, CAN! The award per camper is based on need and circumstance. Camperships are awarded on a case-by-case basis.
Getting Ready for 2022
We’re so excited to be planning a full year of incredible programming in 2022!
Check out our camp calendar page on our website! All of our program dates are up and posted for 2022. Ready to register? 2022 Registration will open up and go live on December 15th.
August 2021 Newsletter | August 24, 2021
Camp Beausite Northwest August Newsletter
Registration for In-Person Fall Camp is Open!
REGISTRATION
We are thrilled to be using a new, lightening-fast, online registration platform! Paper forms are also available – read on to learn more!
Great news! Anyone with access to a computer can now register 100% online! By using a website called CampSite, parents and guardians can securely fill out and submit ALL required forms online, eliminating the need to fill out by hand and mail forms to camp.
Anyone who chooses to use CampSite will be directed to fill out a quick questionnaire. You will then receive an email containing your password. From there, you’ll be able to access your camper dashboard!
Don’t have access to a computer? No problem! Give us a call or an email, and we’ll mail you everything you need.
Phone: 360-732-7222
Email: madrian@campbeausitenw.org
Requirements to Register
In order to be considered at CBNW, applicants must meet the following criteria:
-
- Minimum Age: 12 years
- Campers must be fully vaccinated by the first day of camp
- Campers must require no greater than a 1:3 or 1:4 staff-to-camper ratio for care, supervision, and activities
- Campers must wear a camp-issued mask while indoors
- Campers must submit to rapid antigen testing at check-in, and as needed while at camp (cost-free)
- Campers must commit to uphold community policies while at camp (hygiene, masking, distancing, etc.)
Click here to go to the registration page.
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SAFETY
As always, safety of staff and campers is our top priority. Read on to learn about our increased safety procedures, and requirements for camp!
Covid Updates and & Safety Measures
As a specialty camp, we have extremely strict guidelines to follow on a federal, state, and county level. We’ve implemented dozens of COVID-19 policies and procedures to prioritize the safety of campers and staff.
From testing, to meals, to check-in and check-out, to symptom response and more, we’ve written a detailed and dedicated COVID-19 handbook to serve as a guide and reference as we navigate the pandemic in Fall of 2021.
Click here for our COVID-19 Handbook and other information.
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DATES & THEMES
Pumpkins! Dinosaurs! Snowmen! Shooting stars! Each of our weekends will have an awesome and engaging theme! Read on to learn more!
We are so excited for our very special themes for Fall 2021! We’re going all out this year – Parades, Dance Parties, Crafts … and campers are invited to bring along any themed items to help us express our camp spirit!
OCTOBER 8–10: OUTER SPACE CAMP
OCTOBER 29–31: HALLOWEEN CAMP
NOVEMBER 12–14: DINOSAUR CAMP
NOVEMBER 19–21: GIVING THANKS CAMP
DECEMBER 10–12: WINTER WONDERLAND CAMP
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VIRTUAL PROGRAMS
Whether we see you in person this fall or not, you’re invited to join us virtually! Our virtual programs are free to all, and all you need is a Zoom account!
EMOTIONS – 9/24 @ 4PM
COSTUME PARTY – 10/15 @ 4PM
HARVEST TRADITIONS – 11/12 @ 4PM
PAJAMA DANCE PARTY – 12/17 @ 4PM
Sign up here!
2021 AWESOME Shirt/Sweatshirt Fundraiser!
Hello Friends!
I just wanted to reach out and let you know that camp is doing a fundraiser for a camper designed t-shirt or sweatshirt. You can order online and snag yourself one (or several) of these awesome beauties! I hope you will help support camp or spread the word or smile at the design.
https://www.customink.com/fundraising/cbnw
Thank you for your continued love and support of CBNW! I am so grateful.
Yours in Camping,
Raina Baker
Executive Director
May 2021 Newsletter – Summer & Fall Updates | May 7, 2021
Camp Beausite Northwest May Newsletter
May Virtual Programs
Please Join us for more Virtual FUN!!!!!
CBNW and our virtual program coordinator Grace Kreeger, are super excited to share that our first two virtual programs in April were a huge hit! We had so much fun seeing our friends, connecting with staff, playing games, and even taking a tour of the beach in Florida!!!
We know that we have all had a lot of “virtual” over the last year – but we sure are happy to be spending some quality time with our favorite people. We hope you all will continue to join us for our next programs in May!
May 14, 2021 @ 4pm
May 28, 2021 @ 4pm
The new virtual program dates for June, July, and August have been posted on the CBNW website! Check it all out and make sure to register for each of the awesome virtual programs! Register NOW!!!.
Facebook Birthday Fundraiser
Birthday Fundraisers are a GREAT way to help CAMP!!!!
Our campers, camp families, volunteers, staff, and community have been an incredible support system to Camp Beausite Northwest for over 30 years! CBNW has set up a fundraising program through Facebook, that will allow all of our awesome supporters to get involved throughout the year in a new way, by creating their own Facebook Birthday Fundraiser!
Facebook Birthday Fundraisers not only create the opportunity to support camp financially, but they also help to spread the word about our programs and develop opportunities of awareness out to the world about our awesome campers and their incredible abilities.
Help Camp Beausite Northwest support as many campers and their families as possible, by creating your very own Facebook Birthday Fundraiser!
To create a fundraiser for Camp Beausite Northwest, click here or follow these steps:
1) Click Fundraisers in the left menu of your News Feed. You may need to click See More.
2) Click + Raise Money.
3) Select Nonprofit or Charity.
4) Select Camp Beausite Northwest, fill in the fundraiser details and choose a cover photo.
5) Click Create.
Click here to Find Out More.
T-Shirt Design Competition
Hey Campers! We need your help! It’s time for a new camp T-shirt, and we want YOU to design it! The finalized T-shirt will be available for everyone to order, and all proceeds will benefit CBNW!
Send us your masterpiece! What do YOU want to see on this summer’s T-shirt? The lake? Stars? The forest? Our Camp Family?
Draw it! Paint it! – We will be selecting one winner, whose fabulous design will be featured on this summer’s CBNW T-shirt!
Is There a Prize? Yes! The camper whose design is chosen will receive a $200 Campership to use toward an upcoming camp program!
How Do I Submit a Masterpiece? All campers, whether returning or brand-new, are encouraged to submit artwork! Submissions will be accepted starting NOW, until June 1st.
The chosen design will be announced shortly after, and T-shirts will be available to order in July! Artwork can be mailed to: Camp Beausite NW, PO Box 1227, Port Hadlock, WA 98339 or artwork can be scanned and sent to: madrian@campbeausitenw.org
Camp In A Box
Do you miss camp? Have no fear! Let camp come to you!
We are ecstatic to announce that Camp in a Box is back! We’ve curated boxes full of camp activities, which have been graciously funded by several local foundations. This incredible generosity allows us to provide an awesome slice of camp, at no charge to our campers.
Boxes are limited, so sign up fast! Sign Up Here!
April 2021 Newsletter | April 1, 2021
Camp Beausite Northwest April Newsletter
Keep Up The Awesome Work!
Thank you everyone who has donated to the camp fundraiser this year! We have made it 35% of the way towards our goal! Keep sharing! Keep telling people! Keep up the great work! We can do it!
We have a lot of work to do on camp, and this is the time to get it done before our campers can come back to camp. Finding funding and donations for operating expenses and maintenance is always a challenge, and that is why we need your help.
$5. $25. $50. Every penny gets us closer to our goal! THANK YOU CAMP FAMILY for your support and help!
Welcome To The Team!
Program Director
We are super excited to welcome M Adrian to our full-time camp team! She will be supporting camp programs and rentals. She comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience and we are over the moon to have her joining our full time Team!
Virtual Programs Coordinator
Grace Kreeger is joining our team to help us provide some awesome virutal programming to our campers this year! We are so excited for the skills and energy that she is bringing back to camp! You might remember her as Billy Goat from 2019!
Virtual Programs at CBNW
Spring has sprung and with it comes new beginnings and new opportunities. We are finally coming out of this long winter and the world is beginning to blossom and come alive. What better time to kick off our new series of virtual camp programs? Here at Camp Beausite NW, we have been working tirelessly to adapt the camp experience to meet the changing needs of all our families. Over the next few weeks, we are excited to be bringing you our first-ever Virtual Camp events. To kick things off and keep to the spirit of the season, our first event’s theme will be “Spring Break”.
Join us for our first program on April 16th as we celebrate rebirth and renewal through song, dance, and storytelling. The event will begin with a sing-a-long of the traditional Camp Beausite song. Campers will then take a guided walk along a sugar sand beach, meet cute baby animal ambassadors, and discuss what we hope for the seasons to come. Campers will then get a chance to socialize and interact with each other at our virtual dance party with a playlist that is sure to put a spring in your step. We will then close out the program by singing some favorite campfire songs and introducing some new ones to celebrate this hopeful time of year.
As we explore this brave new world, please be sure to register and mark your calendars. You will need to download the free version of Zoom in order to participate in our virtual programs.
Upcoming Programs
April 16th @ 4pm
April 30th @ 4pm
May 14th @ 4pm
May 28th @ 4pm
All of our virtual programs are free to attend. For more information or assistance with registration please contact programs@campbeausitenw.org
We will release more programs for June and July in our May newsletter update and on our website! We can’t wait to see you!
Camp In A Box – Coming to a Mailbox Near You!
We are excited to be offering at home programming in the form of Camp In A Box! These at home activities will be provided to our campers at no charge! You will need to register for the camp in a box programs in order to receive your box!
We will be sending 2-3 camp in a box programs to your home that will have all kinds of awesome at home activities. We can’t wait to at least get a little bit of camp to you this summer!
Registration will open May 15th for all camp in a box programs! Keep an eye on the website and we will be sure to send out an update to everyone!
Fall Weekend Programs
While we are not totally through the woods just yet and we still have a way to go before welcoming our campers back to in person programming. We are excited to announce that through the hard work of the Resident Camps around the state and The Washington State Camp Coalition, we have been able to get the mandate lifted along with guidance for operations. This is a huge step towards us being able to welcome campers home this fall! We are hopeful that we are on the right trajectory for being able to operate weekend programs!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!!
Weekend Program Schedule – Mark Your Calendars
Weekend 1: September 17-19 (Theme TBD – based on COVID restrictions)
Weekend 2: October 8-10 ((Theme TBD – based on COVID restrictions)
Weekend 3: October 29-31 (Halloween Camp)
Weekend 4: November 19-21 (Giving Thanks Camp)
Weekend 5: December 10-12 (Winter Wonderland Camp)
COVID willing, registration will open mid summer. Please keep an eye on the Camp Registration page and our e-mail updates for more details! As soon as we have it open, you will know!
Camp Programs 2021 Update | February 12, 2021
Camp Beausite Northwest Newsletter
The Future of Camp
To Our Most Beloved Camp Family,
It is with heavy heart that I share the news with you that the board of directors and I have made the decision to cancel our summer 2021 programs. As you know, this decision did not come easily, and leaves us longing for what used to be our normal.
I know for some of you there is relief that we have made this decision, for some of you there are questions, and for some frustration. We understand and respect all of that and more. I can’t even begin to imagine the toll that the pandemic is taking on our camp family.
As you know, there are so many complex layers to all of this. For the last several months we have been wading through the recommendations from the American Camp Association, the Center for Disease Control, and our State Department of Health and the ever-changing guidelines and directions. Through all of that we were then placing the hope, energy, and effort into a summer that may never come due to the state mandate and vaccination challenges that we are all faced with.
As you know, our number one priority in all of this, is to keep our camp family safe and healthy. The uncertainty this year, is just too great, for us to risk anyone’s health. We are making this decision now, so that we can pivot our programs and focus on what we can do, instead of what we cannot. While the future isn’t the normal, we have lots of planning to bring some camp, joy, and fun to you at home.
Click the video above and hear about our plans for the future of our camp programs for 2021. You can also check the Camp Programs page for more information.
We have much to share about our coming programs, fundraisers, and registration information for this year. We will be updating the website, Facebook page, and our newsletters with all the details over the next few months. So make sure you are connected to camp for all the news and information.
We miss you all so very much and we can’t wait until we can be together at camp again. We are just going to have to be patient a little while longer. You’ve got this. We’ve got this. Together we will make it through.
Yours in Camping,
Raina Baker
rbaker@campbeausitenw.org
Executive Director
New Year 2021 Update | January 5, 2021
Camp Beausite Northwest Newsletter
Happy New Year Camp Family!
I hope this update finds you all healthy and hunkered down in cozy places for the winter. We sure miss you all like crazy and hope that your holidays were full of festivities, even if they were quiet ones.
I wanted to send an update about how things are going with camp. This isn’t easy for us and we know it isn’t easy for you either. We have some pretty big obstacles to over come in order to get back to camp this year, and a lot of it is out of our control. I just want to make sure that you all understand the many challenges that we face. I also want you to know that we are doing everything we can to see you again as soon as possible.
Obstacle 1: State Regulations
Washington State has a current mandate that residential camps are not allowed to reopen for our traditional camp services right now. This mandate was put into place in summer of 2020 and per all of our contacts on the state level, it is very possible that it will not be lifted in time for summer 2021. I have formed a camp coalition with 75 other camps in the state, that are hoping to get this mandate changed, so that each camp can make decisions with their local health departments at the local level. This work began in October and the overall perspective from the advisors and policy makers at the state level, is that we will not get this lifted until the vaccine has created herd immunity. We are working with our state representatives, CDC, and the American Camp Association and are hopeful that we can find the right path through this mandate that keeps everyone safe – but isn’t a blanket statement for all.
Obstacle 2: The Vaccine
While we all have our own perspectives, thoughts, and processes about the vaccine, – it is here, and it is very slowly becoming accessible. Every state has the ability to mandate how, when, and to whom the vaccine is distributed. However, that mandate relies on the supply chain from the manufacturers and then the distribution process. The science and the math have a lot of mixed reviews on when this herd immunity will be achieved. Some are predicting as early as summer 2021 and some are saying as late as spring of 2022. It is incredibly difficult to predict if our eligible and willing members of our community – staff, volunteers, and campers will have the vaccine in time.
Obstacle 3: Timing
With all of that being said above, that takes us to the preparations of our programs. What it takes to create camp as you know it. As I have mentioned in previous updates, we start the summer planning process 9 months before summer. It takes a lot of time and energy to create our programs, do all of our hiring, and be ready to receive our campers with open arms. We are also looking at the reality of a constantly changing set of guidelines for COVID management and safety. Which has us writing and re-writing so many of our programs and procedures. Knowing that the state is in control of our timing, makes things even more challenging.
Obstacle 4: Safety
Finally, and most importantly is the safety of our campers. The decision for so many of our campers, to get back out into a public space is a delicate one. Everyone has their own perspectives about what is safe and appropriate in the midst of this pandemic. Many of our campers are immune compromised in some way, and that adds an additional layer of concern for getting back to camp and other social activities. With many choosing to stay home for their own safety until herd immunity is achieved, we have to look at the big picture for summer and take all of this into consideration as we make our decisions on how to move forward.
What does this all mean to you? Our beloved campers, staff, families, and volunteers – we want to get everyone back to camp as soon as possible. What we know right now is the following:
- Spring weekend programs are canceled for 2021
- Summer is still up in the air, and I will have a decision for you regarding summer as soon as possible
- Fall programs are feeling very possible and we are working on putting together a plan and calendar to share as soon as we are able.
It is important to share with you all, that we are not alone in this. CBNW is a member of a national collective of residential camps around the country that serve people with special needs. We are all in the same boat on so many levels. We meet once a month to discuss how we support our campers and staff safely, and how we can get back to camp as soon as possible. All of these camps, we are all on the same page and dealing with the same obstacles – but we know through all of our collective efforts that we will get back to camp.
We do want to share that we have been hard at work at camp these last bunch of months fundraising, seeking donors, and writing grants so that we can continue to be here when the pandemic is over. It is hard, but we are still here and plan on being here when this is all over.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me via e-mail at rbaker@campbeausitenw.org
We miss you all very much and hope that you are doing alright in the midst of the tough stuff.
Yours in Camping,
Raina Baker
Executive Director
Fall 2020 Update | October 15, 2020
Hello Camp Family
We miss you all so very much! I hope that you know that! This year has been so hard on everyone, and not having your laughter, love, and light at camp has made it even harder. You have to know that we want you all to be safe and healthy, and we hope beyond hope that your lives have been as smooth and kind as possible, in the midst of this pandemic. We know this has been so hard on all of you. So many of your resources and programs are not operating and we are devastated to have to continue to be a part of that.
We know that you are all eagerly awaiting the release of our camp dates for programs in 2021. We have been working hard over the last few months trying to figure out how we can offer camp programs in 2021 safely for our campers, families, staff, and volunteers. As of October 15, 2020 – We are not able to post dates for our future. It is imperative that we have the right information, that we are in the right phase, and that we know that we can safely offer programs to you – before we commit to our camp dates.
What does that mean? That means we are working with the American Camp Association, Special Needs Camps around the country, the CDC, the local and state health boards, and a group of amazing volunteers who are a part of all things COVID to help give us the right guidance on how we create and provide our programs for you. We have to look at every aspect of our programs and figure out the answers to how we care for our campers with each step. We are writing new policies. We are creating new ways to do things. A lot of things will have to change at camp, for us to be able to offer our services to you.
What kinds of things are we looking at and considering? That is a great question. First and foremost we have to take into account that a great number of our campers have compromised immune systems. Next we are hopeful for better treatments and protocols for the virus as well as accurate, affordable, and available rapid/quick testing. From there we are looking at how we quarantine staff, if campers can isolate before coming to camp, mask wearing and PPE for staff and campers, and then how we assist with activities of daily living. While we know you are winning at all of this at home – that all changes when we travel and bring new groups of people together. We are looking at hands free stations for hand washing, hand sanitizing, and water bottle filling. Meal time rotations. Lowered camp capacity to accommodate for social distancing. We are researching cleaning and disinfecting protocols and companies. Finally, we are figuring out how we run programs that keep our campers & staff sociallly distanced from each other, but still social. We have SO MANY things to worry about to create these programs and services and we want you to know that we are working hard towards our future possibilities. It is also super important to note that we also have to be in Phase 3, at a minimum, for any of this to happen.
We are hopeful that the winter will give us more information, more access, more resources, and more knowledge that will help us make all of these decisions. We are grateful for this time as it is giving us the opportunity to look at every component so that when it makes sense to open our doors – we can!
We don’t have all of the answers. We don’t know what 2021 holds. We don’t know what kinds of programs we can run. We don’t know how many programs we will be able to offer. But what we do know, is that we WILL be here ready to welcome you back with elbow bumps and hoots and hollers when we get the OK to do so. And we can’t wait!
We love you all so very much and we are so grateful that you are a part of the Camp Beausite family. We will do our best to keep you posted and in the know. As soon as we know what our future holds, you’ll know!
Stay Healthy! Stay Safe! Stay Happy!
Yours in Camping,
Raina Baker, Executive Director
Summer 2020 Update | August 6, 2020
Camp Beausite Northwest Newsletter
Camp Beausite Northwest Fundraiser
With a little help from our friends …
Our Favorite Color is CAMP!
Camp Beausite is asking for your help to ensure the future success of camp and our programs!
Please check out our online Go Fund Me campaign! Donate, share, send owls, tell the world! Every little bit helps us get to our future.
The success of our campaign will insure that the future is ours! We can’t wait for 2021, but we are going to need some help to get there!
Mark Your Calendars
We are working hard right now planning for 2021 – because the future is ours! We are doing everything in our power to be prepared to open our doors in the spring. So keep an eye out on the camp website for the 2021 calendar and camp updates!
2021 Dates will be posted October 15, 2020
2021 Hiring will begin November 15, 2020
2021 Registration will open January 15, 2021
Thank You United Way of Clallam County!
Camp was awarded a grant from the United Way of Clallam County in order to be able to send you all Camp In A Box care packages!
We got loads of love, cards, pictures, and notes from campers across the peninsula and beyond. It was a huge success and we are so grateful for all of you – Our staff, volunteers, and our camp family!
We all got a chance to feel a little bit of the magic of camp. We can’t wait to see you all in 2021!
THANK YOU!!!!
Raina & The Beausite Team
Fall 2020 Cancellation | July 16, 2020
Dear Camp Family
Hello Family. It is time to update you about where we are headed for fall, winter, and 2021. We have made yet another difficult decision to cancel our fall weekend programs. We know this is hard for everyone, and we are working hard on figuring out how we do camp in the future.
If you are registered for any of our fall programs, we will be in touch regarding your refunds and credits.
We are hoping that taking a little more time to let COVID iron itself out, and for the health community to figure out some best practices, treatments, and vaccines – that we will be able to return to some fabulous programming in the spring of 2021.
If you have any questions or if you need any additional information, please feel free to reach out us at (360) 732-7222 or via e-mail at info@campbeausitenw.org.
We miss you so much. But have faith my friends. The future is ours and it is going to be spectacular!
Yours in Camping,
Raina
COVID News & Programs | April 18, 2020
Dear Campers, Parents, Staff, Friends, and Family
Camp Beausite Northwest will be closing for the Summer 2020 Season.
We are hopeful for our 2020 fall and 2021 spring programs to be able to happen. We are in full swing planning for summer 2021!
We want to share with you why this is happening and how we came to this decision. As you can imagine, it was not an easy decision to come to. Camp Beausite Northwest is built on the foundation of our mission to provide inclusive learning, social, recreational, and therapeutic opportunities for adults and children with special needs, and their families. For us, a key aspect of this is to create a physically and emotionally safe environment for our campers and our staff.
COVID-19 has created so many unforeseeable circumstances that continue to change every day that are out of our control.
- Our planning for summer 2020 began last fall – camp doesn’t just start in June. Months have been lost to this virus for our staffing, fundraising, programming, camp physicals, and the like.
- For our campers, our families, and our staff – being close is a part of how we do things at camp; riding in buses, caring for campers, swimming, high fives, hugs, meals, activities. 6 ft. distancing doesn’t work for us to do what we do.
- We cannot begin to “guess” or “hope” that things will change enough, for us to be able to provide our programs and SAFELY operate camp this summer.
- Our number ONE priority is the health and safety of our campers and staff.
We know that this is HARD. For all of us, but our campers and families. We see you. We will do everything in our power to support you. We still have three weekend camps on the books for this fall, and we will do everything we can to provide support to you. Even though Summer 2020 has been cancelled, you haven’t heard the last from us.
To Our Prospective Families:
Thank you so much for wanting to join the Camp Beausite family this year. We hope that you will join us for a weekend program or for summer 2021. Keep an eye on our Camp Programs page. We can’t wait to meet you!
To Our Registered Families:
If you have registered for summer 2020, we will be contacting each of you soon about your registrations. We will begin processing refunds next week. Please be patient, as we are reaching out to everyone and working through each family’s needs and preferences regarding their fees and registrations. This process will take at a minimum a few weeks. Please see our Camp Cancellation Policy.
To Our Campers:
You mean the world to us. We will miss you so much. We feel sad and we want you to know that it is OK to feel sad, too. We are working so hard to get you back to camp.
To Our Staff:
You are our glue. We could not do what we do without your dedication, kindness, and willingness to be a part of this incredible organization. Please know that we are hopeful for your return as soon as it is allowed. Weekend Camps are going to need you and summer 2021 will be here before we know it.
STAY CONNECTED:
Please sign up for E-mail Updates. Starting on May 15th all of our group e-mail communications will be going out via our online news and information platform. This is where we will share information about upcoming programs, the state of camp, staffing needs, camper fun, parent information. ALL OF IT!!! Please make sure you sign up for our e-mails so we can keep you in the loop about our FUTURE.
To EVERYONE:
Please stand with us through this incredibly difficult time. Our Camp Beausite Community is so important to us and it is imperative that we are here to serve you for another 30 years. Please know that there are a million things that needed to be considered in order to come to this conclusion. So many moving parts. So many variables. So many what-ifs. There are so many camp programs around the country that have made this decision – we are not alone. We are all in this together. And, somehow, we will be better for it.
Yours in Camping,
Raina Baker
Executive Director