March 20, 2020 Clearwater Update on COVID-19

Yes, another update regarding these unprecedented times!

But you are part of the Clearwater family and we wanted you to know we are thinking of you.  We hope you and your families are well and taking care of each other.  One thing we know for certain is that together we will come through this, the Clearwater spirit will continue to flourish, and we may be even stronger on the other side.

This is one of those times when the power of the camp experience seems even more important and relevant.  Clearwater is a place of growth and learning and has been central to the life experience of generations of girls and women.  For these reasons, we want you to know that we are working hard to make camp happen this summer.  Here are some of the steps we are taking:

• We’ve established a Clearwater Response Team composed of senior staff and board leadership. It is the responsibility of this team, which meets weekly,  to manage Clearwater’s steps to deal with the crisis by keeping health and safety issues paramount, carefully considering the impact of decisions and actions on all members of Clearwater’s community and communicating honestly and often as this dynamic situation evolves.
• We are closely monitoring information from federal, state and local governments and health authorities as well as keeping in close touch with the American Camp Association and our Northwoods camp partners.
• We’re currently taking all the necessary steps to welcome campers to the shores of Tomahawk Lake in June – hiring staff, planning staff training, double-checking our facilities from a safety and health perspective, etc.
• Because of all the uncertainties, we will look for ways to conserve financial resources. While Clearwater has a solid financial foundation, we will be extra prudent in making expenditures.  As an example, we have decided to temporarily slow down our site planning process.

Like you, we hope summer 2020 is one of the best camp summers ever!  Unfortunately, we don’t have the information now to know what will be possible but we are committed to examining every possible option   Rest assured, however, that we will all find the courage to move ahead if camp can’t happen or must happen differently than we’re used to.  Clearwater, thanks to you, has an indestructible spirit!

Stay well.   Make time for moments of joy and reflection.  And please let us know what you’re thinking and doing – we would love to hear from you!

Our best wishes,