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Summer camp is a beloved tradition for many children, including my own, who live by the motto of enduring ten months of school to enjoy two months of camp bliss. (Admittedly, I never had the chance to experience sleepaway camp myself.)
Last year, the pandemic forced most camps to remain closed, marking the first time in history that sleepaway camps didn’t open their doors. This summer, however, camps were eager to welcome back campers. Many conducted numerous Zoom meetings to discuss vaccination protocols, masking, testing, and quarantining. They consulted with public health experts and anticipated challenges, prioritizing safety above all.
Yet, no camp could fully prepare for every obstacle. This summer, sleepaway camps faced various difficulties, including COVID outbreaks, staffing shortages, and behavioral issues among both campers and parents. While many camps managed to adapt and succeed, one camp, in particular, fell drastically short.
Camp Greenstone’s Abrupt Closure
Camp Greenstone abruptly closed just six days after its opening, promising a summer full of fun yet delivering a disappointing experience instead. The camp faced severe delays in food deliveries, struggled to hire and retain staff, and dealt with unsanitary conditions at mealtimes, leading to vomiting and quarantines. In a note shared anonymously with the local media, one camper expressed frustration, stating, “We have been in tears, bored, and devastated all day. [The camp director] is not being truthful.” This camper urged others to believe their plight, emphasizing that they were not enjoying their time at camp.
Initially, the camp’s director, Alex Thompson, acknowledged in a letter to parents that the past few days had been challenging. However, just five days later, the situation escalated to a point where the camp had to shut down due to staffing issues and food delivery problems. In a message signed by Thompson and other administrators, parents were instructed to pick up their children the following day.
As a parent of two kids in summer camp, I can only imagine the anxiety and worry that enveloped the families receiving that notice.
Comparisons to the Fyre Festival
Consequently, Camp Greenstone has drawn comparisons to the infamous Fyre Festival, where attendees were promised luxury experiences but were met with basic sandwiches and subpar accommodations. While the analogy seems fitting based on lofty promises and subsequent failures, it is essential to recognize the nuances involved. The Fyre Festival was marked by negligence and deceit, whereas Camp Greenstone appears to have been overwhelmed by challenges stemming from the pandemic and mismanagement.
The camp’s leadership underestimated the difficulty of staffing and securing essential supplies during these unprecedented times, which certainly contributed to their downfall.
Experiences from Camp Counselors
One counselor, a 21-year-old named Sarah Johnson, described her experience at Camp Greenstone. She mentioned how the director seemed desperate and offered to pay for her flight to join the camp. Arriving just two days before campers, she quickly realized there wouldn’t be enough time to prepare adequately.
“We were treated poorly,” Johnson recounted in an interview, “and also paid poorly.” It was later revealed that counselors were compensated a mere $2,500 for the summer.
Many camps experienced hiring challenges this season. The tight labor market impacted numerous sectors, and summer camps were no exception, especially with international seasonal workers unable to arrive due to travel restrictions. Most camps managed to find solutions, but Camp Greenstone did not.
Other Camps Facing Similar Challenges
It’s worth noting that Camp Greenstone was not the only camp to shut down mid-season. Other camps in the Northeast also faced similar fates, an unprecedented occurrence prior to the pandemic. For instance, Appel Farm Arts Camp in New Jersey canceled late-summer sessions due to staff shortages, and Camp Willow in Connecticut had to close unexpectedly due to counselor departures. However, Camp Greenstone’s failures stand out for their severity—from unsanitary meals to a lack of communication regarding quarantines.
While the Fyre Festival comparison may be an oversimplification, it is crucial to remember that Camp Greenstone was entrusted with the care of children. When it comes to kids, explanations and justifications fall short. Ultimately, the real victims are the children who, after enduring so much during the pandemic, were promised a joyful summer only to face disappointment instead.
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Summary
Camp Greenstone faced significant challenges this summer, leading to its closure just six days after opening. Despite high expectations, the camp struggled with food delivery, staffing shortages, and unsanitary conditions, prompting comparisons to the infamous Fyre Festival. While not a direct parallel, the situation highlights the difficulties camps faced during the pandemic. Ultimately, the children were left disappointed after being promised a fun summer.