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May 19, 2020

To our Ryde Families,

It is with deep sadness that I am writing these words.
By now, many of you have heard of the decision announced by the government today regarding the closure of all overnight camps in Ontario for the summer of 2020.

For the past two months we have gathered information and waited for guidance from health officials and other trusted resources and been part of many discussions with other camps and the Ontario Camps Association. It was becoming increasingly clearer that we would not be able to provide a safe and healthy camp experience for our campers and staff. Ryde fully supports the decision made today by our government.
Our hearts are broken, but we are confident that this is the wisest decision for our campers, our families, and our staff.

This will be the first summer in our 68 year history that Ryde will not come alive with campers!

We all share a feeling of sadness and loss, in this time that feels so full of losses. Some campers may have a more difficult time than others with this loss. 
Please consider the following link to a video by Dr. Tina Bryson to help your camper cope with her feelings of sadness and loss. I am also happy to speak with any campers needing some support and encouragement.

https://www.tinabryson.com/news/video-helping-our-kids-manage-summer-disappointments

In answer to some questions you may have:

1. When / How will I get my refund?    
Your full refund will be in the form of a cheque sent by mail. Refunds are a new process for us and will take a few weeks to work through. Thank you in advance for your patience. If your financial situation is such that you would appreciate your refund as soon as possible, please let me know.

2.   This would have been my daughter's last year as a camper. She will be missing the opportunity to say goodbye to her Ryde family.
We will make adjustments for camper eligibility in the 2021 season. Your camper will be able to register for next summer.

3. My daughter was to be participating in the CIT program this summer. What happens now?
We will be making adjustments for this too. Details to follow.

4. My daughter is working towards her 5-year camper recognition. Will this year count?
Yes. For any campers registered for 2020, this year will be counted.

5. All campers registered for 2020, will have first priority for registration in 2021.

Thank you for your support and patience over the past weeks.
We all know that what makes camp so special is the people and we will will all be carrying the spirit of Ryde with us until we can gather together again!

Please keep safe!

"Franny"
Fran Sugawara
Camp Director

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April 9, 2020

Dear Ryde Families,

We continue to monitor this situation and are hoping for the best.

Please know that any decision around our summer season will be driven by the concerns of the health and safety of our campers and staff.

Until further notice, please hold off on making any further payments to your camp balance.

Please keep safe and healthy in these difficult times!

"Franny"
Fran Sugawara
Director

Contact the camp office or 705.684-9813

p.s. the posts on the Ryde Facebook and Instagram accounts may just add a little bit of cheer to everyone!

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March 19, 2020

Dear Ryde Families,

We are in a dynamic situation and things are quickly evolving. While we can't predict the future, we are currently continuing to plan for camp happening for the 2020 summer season!

Please know that Ryde Lake Camp is committed to the well-being of every camper and staff member. We are actively examining our current arrival screening procedures, health response procedures, and cleaning procedures, ensuring that we meet or exceed the public health standards.

Ryde will be working closely with our local public health unit to maintain effective protocols for the identification and appropriate treatment of any illnesses that may occur at camp, including Covid-19

In order to help you register with confidence, we have updated our registration guidelines as follows:
- in the event you need to cancel your registration due to illness or circumstances related to Covid-19, you will receive a full refund (including deposit)
- if Ryde Lake Camp makes the decision to cancel, you will receive a full refund (including deposit)

We will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

The camp community has faced challenges in the past and we have emerged smarter, stronger, and with a deeper sense of purpose.
The camp experience is more important than ever for this generation to thrive in the years to come!

Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Contact the camp office or 705.684-9813