Dear Coppercreek Camp Families and Friends,
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This is the letter we hoped we would never have to write. We have spent the last several weeks agonizing over whether we could open camp this summer and provide the safe, healthy and uniquely Coppercreek experiences our campers deserve. Ultimately, the final decision was made for us by the Plumas County Health Department. We were informed last week that due to the unique health risks associated with hosting a large group of people from all over the world, it will not be possible to operate this summer.

We were holding out hope for at least our last four weeks of the summer, but after lengthy discussions with our team of directors, input from other camps, and review of the recommendations from the American Camp Association, the CDC and Environmental Health and Engineering, we understand it is just not possible. Even if we were able to test every camper and counselor at the beginning of the session, risk is still prevalent from outside delivery companies, local hourly employees, and asymptomatic individuals. We know that the camp experience is even more critical for children now, but the health and safety of our campers, staff and the communities around us is the most important.

Additionally, with the guidelines in place for reopening, we do not feel we could offer the camp experience that kids want and deserve. Our camp program would be compromised to the point of being unrecognizable if everyone was wearing personal protective equipment, our group size in all activities was limited to 10, and all out-of-camp trips were canceled. In addition, we do not want to take PPE and medical personnel away from the places that need it most. Our rural health system would be heavily impacted if a large outbreak occurred in our county.

Some camps are looking at virtual options and we don’t believe it is in the best interest of our campers. Campers need to be together in the outdoors and away from technology to truly grow from the Coppercreek Camp experience. We promise to continue posting to social media and keeping our camp community engaged through virtual means, but we will not offer virtual camp.

Our goal in managing the COVID-19 situation is to maintain the core integrity of our program and be as viable as possible so that we can continue to provide amazing summers ahead for our youth. In terms of cancellations and refunds, we are a small business and we use our fall and winter enrollments to fund improvements and care for our staff and animals. We really appreciate the financial support from families who agree to credit their tuition to Summer 2021.

Your options moving forward are:

-Credit your tuition towards a future summer to be used by the enrolled camper, a sibling, or friend.
-Donate your tuition to help offset operating costs for the year.
-Request a refund less a 5% processing fee.

Please contact us to discuss your preference.

This pandemic is an uninsurable situation for us and refunds will not be immediate as we will need to work through funding and cash flow issues as we move forward. Please expect refunds to be processed in September.

Aside from your tuition, tax deductible donations can be sent through the Genessee Retreat to Coppercreek Camp or non-tax deductible donations directly to Coppercreek Camp. This will enormously help us endure this crisis and we are so thankful.

We hope by the fall we can open as a place for camping, retreats and weddings. Please contact us if you are interested in camping for the weekend, biking and hiking our trails, and escaping the indoors for a few days. We also hope to teach private riding lessons to kids in our local area throughout the summer.

This has been a rollercoaster of emotions for all of us as summer is what we look forward to all winter. Spending time with your kids and our staff is the highlight of each year and we will miss them incredibly. Since we opened in 1965, we have made it through many challenges and we will do our best to make it through this pandemic as well. We truly appreciate all of your support and patience, and we cherish our camping community. We will keep you updated on registration opening for Summer 2021 and will continue to plan to welcome kids home for our 57th amazing summer!

Best Wishes,

Sutter, Taylor, Becky and Craig