Dear Treetops Families,
As the time to share gratitude draws nearer, you might have to dig a little this year. I do know that the silver linings are there, if you go deep. For me, I’m looking to North Country School, the boarding school that shares our campus and values, that has opened in person this fall in some semblance of careful normalcy. The school community gathered today for their annual Thanksgiving celebration. It looked different this year. Families of students didn’t join and place settings were spaced apart, a far cry from the festive closeness that happens in a typical year. But the tables were still set with a bounty of vegetables and turkeys raised, harvested, and prepared lovingly by this community. The fact that North Country School has come together at all is something to celebrate. I am heartened to see that in their efforts to spread out students, Camp spaces are being put to use. It brings me joy to see the Senior Camp Main House filled with looms for weaving classes, the Uphill Grill serve as an outdoor classroom, and students explore the Forest Garden. Though I missed the sights and sounds of campers this summer, the use of these spaces is surely something to be grateful for.
I am optimistic that Camp Treetops will be able to open safely next summer. As we plan for our 2021 season, the health and safety of our campers and staff continues to be our highest priority. In collaboration with the New York State Department of Health, the American Camp Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other medical professionals, we are developing protocols for our Camp community. At this time, we anticipate that these protocols will include: quarantine and testing requirements; the use of masks, social distancing, and frequent handwashing; and possible changes to our opening day procedures and Family Weekend. Of course, we will continue to update the Treetops families as we have more information.
Even with these unprecedented circumstances, enrollment for the 2021 season is stronger than ever, and I’m grateful to all of you who have already let me know your child’s plans for next summer. We have limited spots available in all age groups, so there is still time to enroll, if you haven’t already. To ensure a spot for your child, please submit the Camp Treetops Camper Application along with a $1,000 deposit. If your plans change, we will refund your deposit if you let me know by March 1, 2021. Tuition for the 2021 season is $10,400 and the Camp dates are Saturday, June 26 – Saturday, August 14, 2021. If you enroll on or before December 1, you will receive an early-bird discount of $200! After you complete the camper application, you can log in to your account at any time. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, you must first complete a camper application. Then log in to your account and you will find the scholarship application in Forms and Documents.
Lastly, I want to share a recipe to bring some warmth into your home as the weather gets colder (at least here in snowy Lake Placid). This is a recipe that takes advantage of the recent apple harvest in New York and brings in warming spices. For me, it is a comforting recipe, easily completed with ordinary ingredients, but comes together in a wholesome and nourishing way—perfect for snacking on your own or perhaps for sharing with others for whom you are grateful.
Warmly,
Karen Culpepper
Camp Director