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Jews in the D
Summer Bummer Camps, parks, fairs cancel due to COVID-19. MAYA GOLDMAN AND CORRIE COLF STAFF WRITERS
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s summer draws nearer, communities around the country are continuing to feel the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing. While children are still grappling with the loss of the school year, their summer experience is now facing the same pressure. Many local families suddenly have large holes in their schedules. First, Tamarack Camps announced their closure; then others followed. Here are some of the organizations that have canceled their summer plans.
The camp offers 10 different sessions tailored for children grades 1-10. They also offer the Tikvah Program, an overnight summer camping experience for Jewish children ages 12-21 with special needs. Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, located in Conover, still plans on opening but has delayed the start of its summer session to June 30.
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HUNTINGTON WOODS CANCELS CAMPS AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS On May 1, the city of Huntington Woods announced it would cancel its summer camps and recreational programming, all Fourth of July festivities and its summer Concert in the Park series. The city’s pool will also not open this summer. The Parks and Recreation Department plans to create virtual activities for families, and the Huntington Woods library has digital programming already put in place.
UNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM CANCELS ALL SUMMER PROGRAMS URJ announced the cancellation of their 2020 summer programming on April 30. URJ runs 15 summer camps spread throughout the country, as well as teen travel programs to Israel and other locations around the globe. They are also the parent organization for NFTY youth groups, which run their own summer events and activities. There are 12 NFTY youth groups centered around Michigan congregations. While children cannot physically come to camp, URJ plans to host virtual programming and events throughout the summer. Families who have already paid for URJ summer programs will have the option to choose a refund, credit fees forward to future programs or convert program tuition into a donation. CAMP RAMAH IN CANADA CLOSES FIRST SUMMER SESSION Camp Ramah in Canada, a sleepaway destination in Ontario that attracts many Michigander campers, has canceled its first summer session and is waiting until June to decide on the rest of summer. The camp is run through the Ramah Camping Network, a large group of summer camps affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism that have locations throughout the United States, Canada and Israel.
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MAY 14 • 2020
ANN ARBOR ART FAIR CANCELS ANNUAL EVENT The Ann Arbor Art Fair, which was scheduled July 16-19, was canceled on May 7. This is the first time the art fair has been canceled in 60 years. Fair organizers plan to promote each of the artists online. (Jewish News parent company Renaissance Media produces the fair’s annual print guide.) OTHER SUMMER PLANS Southfield has canceled all city events until May 15 or further notice. The West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Department has canceled all activities until May 31, and their Recreation Activities Center is currently closed through June 8. West Bloomfield’s summer camp registration has been postponed until May 18. The Jewish Community Center Day Camps, powered by Tamarack, released a statement May 4 saying they are "cautiously planning” on proceeding with their summer.
