SUMMER UPDATE #2:
FLEXIBLE REFUND POLICY +
LET'S CONNECT CREATIVELY

We are deeply inspired by the sense of community that we have witnessed this past week as we collectively address the challenges we all face. Usdan’s staff continues to work diligently to compile the information you need to instill some calm in this time of uncertainty. 

We've created a web page centralizing these updates to help keep you informed. All new updates about Usdan programming as it relates to COVID-19 will be shared weekly via email as well as on our website. 

FLEXIBLE REFUND POLICY

As we continue to monitor COVID-19 and consider diverse scenarios, we remain hopeful that a summer at camp is still a probable outcome. In an effort to mitigate uncertainty, we have updated our refund policy to be as flexible as possible for our families. We want to make the decision to send your child to Usdan this summer an easy one.

Updated Policy: Should your family need to withdraw from camp before May 31, you will receive a full refund of tuition paid. 

We are discussing what Usdan’s withdraw policy will be after May 31, or in the unfortunate scenario of us having to close our gates for a portion of the summer. We ask that you please be patient with us as we work to determine what is fair to our families while making sure Usdan stays open for many years to come. 

Some of you have kindly asked how you can support Usdan in this crucial time. One way is to consider making a gift to Usdan. Your generosity will sustain us through a difficult period and prepare us for the future.

SUMMER STARTS NOW:
LET'S CONNECT CREATIVELY

Our team has thought deeply about new and creative ways to stay engaged with our community by using the things we love most about a Usdan summer to bring joy to this uncertain time and further our mission to:

• instill in young people the desire and drive to creatively contribute to the world now and for the rest of their lives
• enhance and fortify our community

It is in times of distress that we find strength in community and inspiration in art. Our faculty, staff, and department chairs have begun to compile art resources to help our community stay creatively active at home. Some will be taken from fellow art organizations; others will be created by our own faculty. Next week, we will launch a Summer Starts Now web page; here, we will offer our community ways to create meaningful connections with art, no matter where you are. 

Follow us on Instagram (@usdanarts) for our daily creative challenges and virtual Festival performances. Share creative projects you are doing at home via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Be sure to #SummerStartsNow to inspire others! 

Here are some top picks from our senior staff to get you started. 

• Lauren’s Pick (Executive Director):
  NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts - Lauren challenges you to create your own from home!
• Jillian’s Pick (Director of Education): 
  Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
• Kerry’s Pick (Senior Director of Student Affairs):
  Broadway HD (free 7 day trial!)

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

We are addressing every concern we can think of and hear about, but rely on you, our families, to tell us what's on your minds, so we can address it for you and for many others who likely share similar concerns. If you have questions, concerns or requests, please reach out to us at director@usdan.org. 

With many of us cooped up in an urban or suburban home, we have also been discussing ways in which we can open up our expansive 140-acre wooded campus to our community. Please complete our survey to tell us what kinds of opportunities you might feel comfortable participating in.

SUMMER MEMORY OF THE WEEK

When 6th grade student Aissatou Bah started a petition to make all Usdan buses electric by 2030. We've been developing our own Sustainability Strategy, which we can't wait to update you on soon. 

WHAT’S GOING ON AT CAMP?

Our very own Caretaker, Anthony, has started the build of new greenhouses for our Future Gardens project. Learn more about how we will continue the three-decade-long effort developed by The Harrisons here. 

USDAN AT HOME

It's been a hard adjustment for our tight knit staff to begin working remotely. We have found joy and energy reconnecting on our daily video conference call. "Hello" from all us!