CAMP BLUE BAY STORM UPDATE:
Camp update: 7/23/10 2:30pm – The clean up at Blue Bay is underway.
Campers that were scheduled to attend Camp Blue Bay for Session 3 (July 22 – 29) should contact the Service Center with their request for placement no later than Monday morning, July 26, 2010. (Please see Donna Ceravolo’s letter below for instructions.) We will do our best to accommodate everyone.
Starting Monday, late afternoon, staff will begin making personal calls to each family with information on placement.
Thank you for your patience.
Dear Girls, Families and Friends of Camp Blue Bay,
It is with regret that we must cancel Session Three at Camp Blue Bay, the session scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 22, 2010. We expect to be able to re-open for Session Four, next Thursday, July 29. This decision is based on our priority to provide our girls with the safest and healthiest experience that we can, in compliance with the Health Department codes and our own standards for safety and hygiene. – Girls will have the option to apply to reschedule for Session Four (4), Five (5) or Six (6).
Our staff have been busy assessing the damage to our Camp today. We still do not have power or water. LIPA has told us that they expect to restore service to us this evening before mid-night. There are numerous trees down on our property, and we have scheduled tree removal to begin tomorrow. Staff have already begun removing low-lying debris.
Our first concern is to restore function to our wells, which rely on electrical power. Once the wells are running, we have to test and re-test the water to make sure that it meets Suffolk County standards. This could take in excess of forty-eight hours for the wells to come back to full function and meet testing standards.
The waterfront is, simply put, a mess. It is going to take several days to reassemble the dock and have everything ready for our girls.
There is much work to be done. We will do everything within our power to respond to this act of Mother Nature and restore Camp Blue Bay to full service for the next session.
Girls who were scheduled to be at Camp for Session Three have three options for service –
- Reschedule by choosing Session Four (4), Five (5) or Six (6),
- Get a refund,
- Or try for Day Camp placement.
We will be making personal calls to each family, and expect to complete the first round of calls by tonight (Thursday, July 22).
If you wish to reschedule –
- Parents should email Melanie Trainor Gomez at trainorm@gsnc.org to indicate their first and second preference or you may telephone Melanie at 516-741-2550,ext. 268. Please leave a message and Melanie will try to speak to everyone no later than Tuesday, July 27.
NOTE: We cannot assure that everyone will be able to be placed in the session that they request.
- If you wish to receive a refund -- please email that request to Melanie as well. Refunds will be processed by the end of August.
- FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO NEED CHILD CARE FOR THE CURRENT SESSION, WE WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PLACE YOUR CHILD AT EITHER OF OUR SUMMER DAY CAMPS IN CANTIAGUE OR WANTAGH PARKS. Please direct those request to Laura Bissett-Carr at bissettl@gsnc.org or call her at 516-741-2550, ext. 233, no later than Monday, July 26.
Please be assured that we are doing our best to meet the basic needs of our staff, most of who are remaining on campus at Blue Bay. If you have family on staff and have concerns, please call Laura at the number above.
We are sorry for this disruption to your daughter’s summer fun and we will do our best to reopen next week. Thank you for your patience and support … Please contact Laura or me if you have questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Donna Ceravolo
Executive Director/CEO
Office – 516-741-2550, ext.
Home – 516-379-1519
Camping is fun!
Camping is a great way to build new skills, get a sense of community, and develop a deep appreciation for nature. Whether you go for a day, a week or longer, Girl Scout camping gives you an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun-always under the guidance of caring, trained adults. Every girl should have a chance to camp!
Here are some specific types of Girl Scout camping:
Resident Camping (summers only) is a camping experience in which campers live at an established site. Girls sign up as individual campers or go with a buddy.
Day Camping (summers only) is camping by the day at a local park. Girls may sign up as individual campers or go with buddies.
Program Weekends at Camp are run by staff/volunteers, who sometimes provide all the logistical arrangements such as food, project supplies, a first-aider, and experienced instructors when needed. Check descriptions of these weekends, as programs and services provided may vary. Look for opportunities in Girlfriends and Possibilities.
Troop/Group Camping is a camping experience planned and carried out by a group of girls and their camp-trained advisors/leaders.
Minimal Impact Camping: A method that encourages each person to leave no trace of their outdoor or camping experience. It covers everything from the planning stages to the outdoor experience itself. The concept of minimal impact can apply to any outdoor activity or camping environment.
