To Our Camp Families and Community,

Like so many summer camps across the country, deciding on whether or not we should open this summer was an extremely difficult choice.  There was so much uncertainty and unknowns during the months of April and May that we at times truly did not think it would be possible.  However, when the complete guidelines were released to offer summer camps a clear path to operate safely, we knew then that Adventure Day Camp could and should open.  So, we got to work!

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​Was camp different? Of course! Our staff always wore their mask, in Walnut Creek we unexpectedly moved our program to a church nearby right before camp started, everyone had their temperature checks each and every morning, and all campers and staff had to social distance 10 ft from other groups. Yes, many aspects of summer camp were different. However, it was the elements that were exactly the same that made this summer so special.  Our campers were literally running from their cars to wash their hands and join their group.  Smiles from ear to ear.  The sounds of laughter, singing, dancing, and yes even a few tears from a scraped knee were so incredibly welcome. Our counselors became heroes to our campers and maybe even to our camp families as well.  We saw the "spark" return for our campers, and to us  that was magical. 

 

To our 2020 camp families: Your support, kind words, feedback, and TRUST was invaluable to us as we navigated our way through the summer.  We felt incredibly grateful that we were able to spend this summer with your child. We know the experience was impactful for them,  but please understand that your child influenced us in a positive way as well. This summer will always be special and one we will never forget. 

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To All ADC Families that missed us this summer:  We understand that the decision on sending your child to camp this summer was an extremely difficult one. We greatly respect that. We missed you and your child this summer, but know we will soon be in full planning mode for 2021 and will stay optimistic that the 2021 summer will look more normal. 

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We learned so much this summer about ourselves, our campers, and most importantly about how important summer camp is to our children. Man they needed this now more than ever!  Camp isn't about facility or equipment. It's about fostering that connection between camper and staff that promote a sense of belonging to something unique and special. It's trusting that it is ok to be yourself and to allow others to accept that amazing person even though you may be completely different from them.  Where "different" becomes COOL, laughter is contagious, and it feels like "everybody knows your name". 

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Stay safe, take a breath, and know we can do this. 

One Love A.D.C.!

The Welch Family

ADC Staff

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"To be honest, back in the spring, we were doubtful you would be able to pull this off. It was clear that you had the motivation, expertise, and energy to, but the odds were stacked against you all.

 

Our three kids just finished their third week at ADC. They had a blast! They came home every day dirty, tired, hungry, and HAPPY! This is our fourth summer at ADC and you have blown me away with the experience you were still able to deliver during this historic and crazy time. Thank you to each and every staff member that made it happen. Our kids and our families needed this more now than ever.  "
 

"Hi Kevin, I want to thank you for running this summer and for hanging with all the changes to make a program work. My daughter went today and after five months of seeing her sad, withdrawn and shut down and not interested in anything, she came back the person she had been before the pandemic. I am so relieved…"

 

"I want to say a huge thank you. My kids came home from their last day if ADC this summer sobbing. They can’t stop saying how much they miss camp and their counselors. Even in a pandemic, you brought the magic. They’ve loved camp previously, but this summer was particular special because it was so desperately needed for them to be out and to be kids. They didn’t seem very comforted by my stories of crying as a kid when I had to leave overnight camp, they only wanted promised of more weeks at camp next summer. "

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"Thanks so much for a wonderful summer! You guys helped our boys get back out into the world safely after a very confusing spring. And we’re so grateful for your help making the world feel ‘normal’ again. Our family so needed to laugh and run and experience adventure to offset the stress of the times. Thank you, thank you! We look forward to seeing you again next year!"

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"Thank you, sincerely, for such a wonderful summer. It may very well be the highlight of the whole year for all of us. When camp started it was like a light was turned on in Leela that we hadn't seen since quarantine began. "

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"Thank you so much for making camp happen this summer. Seriously, because you didn’t have to, but you found ways to make it happen instead of accepting that it would be just too hard... My eyes are swelling as I think about a summer without it, especially as these young kids head into at least a semester of distance learning. Isolation & social distancing will have its toll on their generation. "

 

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