“The local Health Department was contacted and their inspection determined that a contagious virus had been brought into camp by one or more Week 4 campers.

Specific protocols issued by Health Department representatives requiring quarantining those who were sick and disinfecting the camp were followed by camp staff and monitored by the health officers. During the break between Weeks 4 and 5 further disinfecting of the camp sites and other areas of camp took place.

Week 5 began as usual. Unfortunately, as the week progressed, several new cases of the virus occurred. By mid-week many more campers and staff were catching it.

The continued outbreak to more campers, leaders and staff led to the decision by the camp leadership, in consultation with the health department, to close the camp on Friday, August 5th, ending the summer season a week and a day early.

This decision was made to ensure that no other campers, leaders or staff would become sick at camp.

Troops that were scheduled to attend camp Week 6 were given the opportunity to attend other Boy Scout camps in the area. Additionally, Cub Scout Week had to be cancelled, but there will be a special Cub Family Weekend tentatively scheduled for September for those who wish to attend.

While this was a very unfortunate situation, the Camp Read Staff performed admirably under less than ideal conditions and we appreciate all of their efforts. In addition, we are deeply grateful to the volunteer leaders who were at camp with their troops during this situation. All were extremely patient, understanding and helpful.

While the 2016 camp season did not end the way we would have wanted, we are looking forward to an excellent 2017. Information about next summer’s offerings at Camp Read will be coming out starting in September.

If you have any questions or concerns about the situation at Camp Read please contact Scout Executive Pat Coviello at the Westchester Putnam Council Boy Scouts of America in Hawthorne at 914-773-1135.”