SUMMER 2020 ANNOUNCEMENTDear Usdan Parents & Guardians, We write today with heavy hearts: Usdan has made the very difficult decision to cancel our in-person camp this summer. We acknowledge the many ways it will impact you and your family. Both the administration and board explored myriad options for running a full season on campus. Ultimately, we decided to cancel in-person camp because we would not be able to provide the Usdan summer our students know and love. We want to thank you for staying engaged with us as we integrated feedback from you, health care advisors, and other camp professionals. Many of you wrote that your children “can’t wait for the Usdan experience” this summer. As we considered possible new models for camp, it became clear that we would not be able to offer the program your children long for, and which they all deserve. Since 1968 our gates have opened to 1,500 campers each summer, to collaborate with and learn from our passionate faculty and most importantly, from each other. So let us together prioritize our future. Dream with us a little: instead of allowing this moment to shut down our creativity, what if we leaned into it and embraced its limitations? What new ways could staff and faculty discover to engage with our students? We are inspired to consider these questions with you. Join us for a Parent & Guardian Town Hall tomorrow evening at 4:00 PM, or Thursday, May 28 at 6:00 PM. You’ll find links to register below. On Thursday, May 28, we will write again to present you with options for handling your child’s 2020 tuition. You will be able to receive a full refund of tuition paid. Additionally, you will have the option to leave some or all of your payment as a donation or as a credit for our 2021 season. We want to make sure your children hear this news from you, which is why we chose to email you first and wait until later to post the announcement on social media. We have also included a message from Executive Director, Lauren Brandt Schloss below to play for your campers after you speak with them. In the coming weeks we plan to host a virtual gathering for students and their parents including a performance by “The Knights.” You will receive a registration link for this event soon. You and your family are in our thoughts and we are counting the days until we can all be together on campus again. Sincerely, John Usdan, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Lauren Brandt Schloss, Executive Director UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTSPARENT & GUARDIAN TOWN HALLSPlease join us at one or both of our town hall gatherings. These will be parent and guardian-only events. Parent & Guardian Town Hall #1 Parent & Guardian Town Hall #2 VIRTUAL FAMILY GATHERING & PERFORMANCEIn the coming weeks we plan to host a virtual gathering for our students and their parents including a performance by “The Knights.” More details and a registration link to come. UNDER THE LIGHTS: A One Night Only Virtual Event to Support Usdan Summer Camp for the ArtsWednesday, June 17 @ 6:00 - 6:45 PM The people who make up Usdan - our campers and their families, staff, faculty, board members, and supporters – are the heart of our campus and while we may be apart we can still stay connected. Now more than ever, we are grateful for the chance to gather, albeit virtually, for an evening of entertainment and inspiration. This year's theme, “Under the Lights,” highlights one of the most fundamental forms of artistic expression, theater, and reminds us that even with the limitations of coronavirus, the show must go on. The program will feature student and alumni performances as well as an awards presentation honoring Usdan alum and Broadway notable Seth Rudetsky, and local theater leader Ruthie Pincus of Stage the Change. While the event is free for all attendees, sponsorship opportunities are available and there will be a chance to donate during the event. Funds raised can help us sustain many of our core needs, including scholarships and the restoration of the Lemberg Theater, a staple of Usdan’s campus. More information can be found at www.gala.usdan.org. We hope you will join us. SUPPORTIVE RESOURCESHere are some resources for sharing the news with your children and adjusting for the summer ahead:
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