January
16, 2009
Dear Camp Crescendo Campers and Parents,
Camp Crescendo has been in existence for 19 years.
It was our hope to have a huge 20th anniversary celebration
in June, 2009. We have had to cancel those plans
as well as the actual sessions of Camp Crescendo
for this summer.
This has been a VERY difficult decision. Camp Crescendo
was created to help children grow in their love of
music as well as expand their musical knowledge,
and experience the joy of performance. I feel that
we have accomplished that goal for thousands of children
in the last 19 years.
The Jr. and Sr. Counselor program provided teenagers
with a chance to gain job experience and learn responsibility
that helped them when applying for jobs as they grew
into young adults. Many of these Jr. and Sr. Counselors
discovered a passion for teaching while working at
camp and I'm proud to say that Camp Crescendo has
helped to produce many excellent elementary teachers
as well as music specialists.
My health has been in jeopardy since July of 2007.
At that time I was diagnosed with stage four ovarian
cancer. I have been having chemotherapy every month
since that time.
I recently was told that the cancer is back and so
I have no idea what my health will be this coming
June. On a happier note, Benji and his wife are expecting
a baby this Feb. and we felt that it may be more
difficult for him to do the necessary things that
he has to do prior to and while at camp.
The economic situation in the country has also contributed
to our decision as we felt it was becoming more difficult
for parents to find the necessary funds for their
children to attend camp each summer. I was granting
more and more scholarships for campers and knew that
this year would probably require more aid for funding
than ever before. My costs and expenses have continued
to go up and it became harder and harder to offer
the many things that have made Camp Crescendo the
quality camp it was and to be so special for each
camper.
I hope that you will explain to your children the
various reasons why we cannot continue to offer Camp
Crescendo at this time and Benji and I (along with
all of the Super Mega Counselors) thank you for sharing
your children with us for these many years. It has
been a true joy and delight! Please continue to check
our web page as we may be able to resume Camp Crescendo
in 2010 and we'd love to have all your campers back
with us!
Sincerely,
Pamela Link, Director, Camp Crescendo
Benjamin Simmonds, Assistant Director Camp Crescendo |
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