Summer camp will not be held in 2024

DONNA: Hello from Willowbrook- your summertime home away from home! I’m Donna Kleinman.

 

PETER: And I’m Peter McKay. We’re here on behalf of the Willowbrook board to share some very difficult news with you. The COVID-19 pandemic was tough on all of us, and it changed so many things, including how an organization like Willowbrook is run.

 

DONNA K: Costs have gone up, the needs of families have changed, and climate change has played an increasing role in our relationship with nature. These are just some of the reasons that we’ve made the very difficult decision to not hold camp this summer. After more than 40 years of Willowbrook, it is time to take a pause to reflect on how we can ensure that Willowbrook can thrive for at least the next 40 years. 

 

PETER: We love Willowbrook. And we know you do too! Along with your input and your imagination, our goal is to launch the next iteration of Willowbrook in 2025 with a shiny new coat of tie dye!

 

DONNA K: As the board president, I’m glad to say that we’re very fortunate to be in a stable financial position at this time. We want to be thoughtful about how Willowbrook operates to ensure our stability moving forward. We want and need to be intentional as a business including solving challenges that have been with us for some time. The drop-off and pick-up process for example continues to need significant improvement.

 

Willowbrook’s relationship with the City of Tualatin is strong, and the city remains an advocate for Willowbrook, as they have been for over 40 years. We will continue to work closely with them as we enter into the next chapter of Willowbrook.

 

PETER: Like Wonderland, Neverland, Brigadoon, and Oz, Willowbrook is a magical place bred of imagination and kept alive by the shared belief in its power and importance. We are all a part of Willowbrook’s story, and we sure hope that you will be a part of its exciting future. As we consider what changes will be necessary, we promise to retain and celebrate the spirit of what makes this place unique. Don’t worry- the Pata Pata is not going anywhere!

 

DONNA K: In the words of our treasured founder, Althea Pratt-Broome, “If we expect the world to be a more fulfilling place for humanity, we must begin with children. May

Willowbrook make its small contribution to the dream.” 

 

PETER: We are deeply committed to keeping that dream alive.

 

DONNA: Along with us is a passionate and engaged board of directors who have collectively invested more than 125 years in the Willowbrook community.

PETER: Please reach out with questions and feedback. We are always available at board@willowbrookartscamp.org.

 

DONNA: And thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being a part of Willowbrook. And as they say, “it takes a village.”