Update on Camp Frank A. Day 2020 Summer Camp Season

Stephan Lockney

May 23, 2020

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Dear YMCA Camp Frank A. Day Campers and Families,

Over the past few weeks, the West Suburban YMCA Team has been struggling with the decision of whether or not to open YMCA Camp Frank A. Day (CFAD) this summer. Today, with a heavy heart, we are writing to inform you that with the unanimous support of the West Suburban YMCA Board of Directors, we are cancelling CFAD summer season  2020. At this time, we will shift our focus to ensuring a fun, safe and healthy CFAD program in summer 2021.

We want you to know that this decision was not made lightly. Over the past few months, the West Suburban YMCA Team has worked tirelessly to examine every possible angle to make summer camp a reality. First, we carefully considered the guidelines set forth by the American Camping Association (ACA), the CDC, and the state and local health departments. We then modified our program plans, re-examined medical practices and staffing requirements considering these guidelines. Despite these efforts, we have concluded that there is too much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 for us to confidently operate a safe and high-quality residential camp this summer.

This is the first time in over 100 years we will not have the YMCA Camp Frank A. Day family together on the shores of Lake Quacumquasit. As disappointed as we all are, we will not compromise when it comes to the safety and well-being of our campers and staff. Indeed, we are devoted and enduring. Once we are ready to re-open, we will welcome you all back with open arms. Until then, we look forward to engaging with you in new and different ways to stay connected through out the summer.

This decision will bring disappointment to our campers and families who have been eagerly looking forward to camp, especially during these difficult times. To assist with sharing this news, we have created a video message that we hope will help. We also realize you will have questions. Accordingly, we would like to invite you to a Zoom video conference on Tuesday May 26th at 7:30pm to answer any and all questions. In addition, we have attached a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page as well. We encourage you to contact us if you need additional clarity or support in the coming weeks. Families that are registered for camp will be contacted with more information regarding tuition options and engagement opportunities with YMCA Camp Frank A. Day in the summer of 2020.

We know our campers and staff will miss this time together, as will we.  All of us are in this together.

Warm Regards,

Stephan Lockney
Director, YMCA Camp Frank A. Day
Gray is the Way and Green is Supreme