Prevented by the pandemic from hosting groups since last March, the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in Greenfield, N.H., has announced a June 1 target date for re-opening—based on guidelines from the State of New Hampshire and the American Camping Association—with plans to return to full operation in the fall.
Having an empty campus for an entire year “has been a difficult and lonely experience,” the center’s executive director, John Koch, said in the Feb. 11 announcement, but added “we are finally starting to see some sunlight on the horizon.”
Given ongoing unpredictability of the pandemic’s course, traditional overnight summer camp will not be offered in 2021, but the center does plan to host “Family Camp Weekends” as an alternative.
Individual families or “neighborhood pods” will be able to have their own cabin and participate as a group in traditional camp activities, including arts and crafts, swimming, archery and hiking. The staff is considering some separate adult programming, and hopes to be able to offer a physically distanced campfire experience in the evenings.
“We are quite excited to be able to offer this hybrid camp format this summer. It will mean we can provide a safe and fun experience for families eager to break free from the confines of the lingering pandemic,” Koch said.
Additional information, including dates and registration instructions, will be available on or before March 31.
In anticipation of the reopening, the center has extended its retreat booking calendar into 2022. Dates may fill up quickly, so groups are encouraged to book their retreats and conferences as soon as possible. Inquiries about availability may be e-mailed to john@bchcenter.org.