Here are your financial options
Here are your financial options:
- 100% REFUND We are committed to refunding our parents if that’s the option you choose. Please be patient, as refunds may take a little bit of time.
- DONATION Please consider the following: The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF), a major supporter of Jewish summer camps, is committed to ensuring that non-profit camps, like CBB, remain strong today and into the future. To help make this a reality, the foundation has launched All Together Now: A Matching Grant for Jewish Camps. The HGF program will match $1 for every $1 of tuition donated. The financial impact of COVID-19 on our camp will be significant and we hope if you are able, you will lend your financial support by donating some or all of your paid tuition.
- CREDIT For those families intending to return in 2021, if you choose you can roll a part of your camper’s registration fees into 2021. We don’t want you to feel any pressure to make quick decisions about the future. Rolling a part of your registration into 2021 secures your spot. You can cancel at any time before April 1, 2021 at no cost to you. For example, if you decide to roll part of your registration into 2021 now, but want to cancel in the Fall, you will receive your 100% refund in the Fall.
Should you choose to do a combination of any of the above, we are open to this as well.
Supporting Your Child: Covid-19 Summer Camp Cancellations
Sharing the News
Your approach as the messenger is key. Many children have anticipated this, so they may be saddened but not surprised. Approach your child calmly, without catastrophizing or minimizing. Avoid a big build up. Deliver the news with facts, in 2-3 sentences. Let your child take in the news then allow them to set the tone. Some have prepared for this so will have less of a reaction than you anticipate, and some may be overwhelmed. The longer you wait to deliver the punchline, the more stressful it will become.
“We just heard that CBB had to cancel camp this summer, because of the coronavirus. Our government has said it isn’t safe this year.”
It Takes Time
Some kids may need more time to understand. Emotions may change from day to day. Some might be angry with Camp (or the government). This is a normal part of the grieving process. Their behaviors may change temporarily. They may regress. Allow them to push boundaries a bit, but be clear that these hard feelings are not an excuse to be unkind or disrespectful. Be patient, they will regain their equilibrium soon.
”I know this really stinks. I don’t blame you for feeling this way. Is there anything I can do to help at this moment?”
Model Healthy Coping
It’s okay to tell your child you’re sad for them and for everyone who loves CBB. Do the healthy things that get you through hard times, and let your child know you’re doing those things. Take a break to recharge on your own. Exercise, reach out to your support system to vent or cry or laugh, engage in something creative like art, music or cooking for fun. Do something for others. This is a loss for you also. Your children’s happiness affects you, their disappointment hurts you. This also represents a loss of the freedom you typically have during the summer. They are watching you closely – you have great power in modeling your own healthy coping! Through your example, you’ll teach them how to respond to disappointments and hardship – now and when they are adults.
”We can’t control the virus, but we can control how we react to hard things. Let’s figure out how to get through this.”
“Wow, today I’m angry about the virus! I’m going to go for a walk until I’m not so mad.”
Let your Child Feel
Allow space for your child to experience a range of feelings. Avoid rushing to “fix” even when it’s hard for you to watch.
Sadness, anger, attempts to negotiate, anxiety and silence are all normal. Some reactions may be intense. Remember, your child’s brain is still developing. It is likely they are acting on pure emotion. Logic may not be in play yet. Show them you can tolerate or “hold” their emotions. They are grieving a loss.
As therapists often say, ”the only way out is through.” If we move too quickly towards solutions, they miss the opportunity to practice resiliency in the face of disappointment.
”I don’t blame you, this is really hard. I’d feel ____ also! When you’re ready we can problem solve. For now, let’s just be mad/sad”
Stay Connected
Encourage your child to reach out to their camp friends. CBB’S community is one of strong support and strong relationships. Staying connected with camp friends will give your children a sense of connection and belonging instead of focusing on isolation and lack of control.
Talk to your child about what they can do to support their friends, siblings and others in our community.
“There is a virtual Shabbat session tomorrow night. Let’s make sure you and your friends are there! Should we all wear white?
Acts of Kindness
One of the most effective ways to manage hard times and adversity (and a step in a healthy grieving process) is making meaning. Use your sadness to bring support and warmth to others. Make cards for healthcare workers in our community and send “real” paper letters to camp friends or staff. Write a story about a fun experience at camp and share it with an older relative. Make cookies or deliver challah on Shabbat. Use online services to send things to camp friends so you can engage virtually in a shared activity. Support a small business. Create art.
Each child is missing a camp experience unique to them, but truly, our community is in this together.
“I’m so sad for everyone who is missing camp. I know a friend who’s sad too I’m going to call them just to tell them I’m thinking of them.”
Created with love and care by our friends: Dani Frissora, MA.Ed, Family Experience Manager & Beth Shapiro, LICSW, Director of Camp Care
Resources
We will be hosting a number of Zoom sessions with our very own camp Social Worker Susan Marks. Details to follow. Here you will find different resources to support our campers and parents.
How to talk to your kids about scary situations
Parenting Support during COVID-19
Embracing new opportunities after cancellation
Keeping kids busy during the COVID-19 pandemic
French resources for keeping busy
Actors reading books to children
Online games, videos, interactive play, parenting resources…etc
How to talk with your teen resource
We will be updating this information regularly and we will be communicating over the next couple of days.