With summer now in full swing, we wanted to give you an update on what things will look like in the months ahead. We first wanted to excitedly tell you all that Frances McLaughlin has accepted the position to be our next Executive Director. She will officially take over her role in September and you will receive a more formal introduction then. In the meantime, she is working with us as a consultant over the next couple of months and will be meeting with all year-round staff to learn about the camps and operations. We could not be more excited about her joining our team. Her experience makes her an incredible fit for Farm & Wilderness.
An unfortunate consequence of COVID-19 is that it necessitated the closure of the camps this season. It is with sadness that it also required us to make some difficult financial decisions that include staff furloughs and a position elimination. Most year-round staff will be furloughed starting in July and will return in January, with the possibility of some returning in fall or early winter to help get ready for summer 2021. We will have some staff continuing operations on a reduced basis at the main office. There was also a restructuring of our Admissions Department, eliminating the Admissions Director position. Those responsibilities will now reside under our CFO, Alan Clarance. We will be saying goodbye to our Admissions Director, Sam Arfer. Sam has worked in admissions for over 11 years and with F&W for 36 years – at Tamarack Farm, Flying Cloud and for three decades at Saltash Mountain camp. His hard work, dedication, historical knowledge, and contagious positivity will be greatly missed
Although our camps are closed to visits, we wanted to assure you that the office is open, and you will always be able to get in touch with someone who will be happy to answer your calls. Our office hours are from 8 – 4ET. There will be no on-site property tours this summer but stay tuned for virtual ones. You might find them fun to watch even if you are already familiar with F&W thanks to the updates that have happened in the off-season. They will be especially great for new families interested in learning about our camps.
If you are in the area, we would love for you to visit our farm stand, where you will find a great selection of produce, meat, syrup, yarn and more. You can find details on how those visits work here. We are also excited to announce that soon the Barn Day Camp waterfront will be open for swimming a few days a week. There will be season passes available for purchase at the office. Look to our website and social media in the coming days for more information.
In Peace,
Jay Kullman, Interim Executive Director