Summer camps are a cherished tradition for many children, including mine. The saying among campers is “10-for-2,” highlighting the anticipation built over ten months just to enjoy two magical months at camp. (I, however, never attended sleepaway camp myself.)
Last year, the COVID pandemic prevented most camps from opening safely. Despite attempts to adapt, safety concerns ultimately kept them closed for the first time in history.
This summer, camps were eager to reopen. Many held numerous Zoom meetings to discuss protocols around vaccines, masking, testing, and quarantining. They consulted with experts and public health departments, bracing for various challenges while prioritizing safety.
Yet, not every camp was equipped to handle the obstacles they faced. This summer was a test for many sleepaway camps, with problems ranging from COVID outbreaks to staffing shortages and behavioral issues among campers and parents. While some camps managed to navigate these difficulties successfully, one camp, in particular, did not fare well.
Camp Evergreen’s Downfall
Camp Evergreen, for instance, shut down just six days after opening. It promised a fun-filled summer but delivered a disappointing experience. Reports indicated delays in food deliveries and significant staffing issues, which left campers facing dirty dishes at meals, quarantine protocols due to illnesses, and behavioral problems among campers. In a note shared anonymously with a local newspaper, one camper expressed their distress, stating, “We have been in tears, bored, and devastated the whole day. [The camp director] is lying to you all.” They added, “You have to trust us. You have to. We are not joking and we are not having fun. So many things are wrong with this place.” The camp closed before the state health department could conduct an inspection.
Initially, Camp Director Mark Thompson acknowledged in a letter to parents that things had been “a bit rocky” lately. Just days later, that “bit rocky” escalated to a decision to shut down due to staffing and food delivery issues. Parents were instructed to pick up their children the following day. (As a mom of two in sleepaway camp, I can’t imagine the anxiety those parents felt upon receiving that message; it would be overwhelming.)
Comparisons to the Fyre Festival
Consequently, Camp Evergreen has been likened to the infamous Fyre Festival—where attendees were promised luxury accommodations and a fantastic experience but instead received inadequate meals and tents. While the comparison is apt in terms of unmet expectations, it requires a more nuanced perspective. Fyre Festival was marked by negligence, fraud, and greed, whereas Camp Evergreen’s struggles stemmed from a pandemic-induced crisis compounded by mismanagement. The camp’s leadership miscalculated the challenges posed by the pandemic, not just in terms of safety but also in staffing and securing necessary supplies. This distinction, however, does not excuse the outcomes.
Staffing shortages plagued many camps this summer. A tight labor market and the absence of international seasonal workers, who typically arrive on visas, presented significant challenges. Most camps adapted, but Camp Evergreen did not.
It’s worth noting that Camp Evergreen wasn’t the sole camp to close its doors midseason; other camps in the northeast also faced similar challenges, a scenario unheard of prior to the pandemic. For example, River Valley Camp in Pennsylvania canceled late-summer sessions due to kitchen and maintenance staff shortages, while Green Lake Camp in Connecticut abruptly shut down mid-July after nearly half its staff left after two weeks. However, Camp Evergreen stands out for the extent of its failure—from malfunctioning dishwashers leading to unsanitary meals to a lack of communication regarding campers in quarantine due to illness.
Though the Fyre Festival comparison may not be entirely fair, the reality remains that Camp Evergreen was responsible for the care of children. When it comes to kids, explanations and justifications fall short. The true victims here are the children who, after enduring months of pandemic-related challenges, were promised a joyful summer but instead faced disappointment.
For more insights, check out this post on home insemination, and for authoritative information, visit Intracervical Insemination and this excellent resource for pregnancy information on WebMD.
Summary
The closure of Camp Evergreen just six days after opening has drawn comparisons to the notorious Fyre Festival, highlighting its failure to meet expectations. While many camps faced challenges due to the pandemic, Camp Evergreen struggled with staffing shortages, poor food delivery, and inadequate communication with parents. This resulted in a disappointing experience for campers, drawing attention to the importance of accountability in childcare settings.