Background on changes to photo access and emails at camp

A note from Director Bryan Breault

June 25, 2008

A few parents have written about the new photos/email process; most very supportive, a few were upset until I was able to explain, so I'd like to offer that explanation to you.

The decision to go to an outsourced system was born of federal law which requires we password protect our minor campers, especially while they are still here at camp. We felt this was too much for us to handle and make sure it was done right. Ten years ago, before any other camp that I know of, we started posting photos of kids while at camp. No fee was levied but we did put a lot of staff time and equipment into this endeavor. Parents seemed to appreciate it. Things have changed in the world of the internet in the past decade with multiple complications. I’ve always thought it was a nice bonus for parents, but of course, when you do something for a long time, it tends to become an expected service. So we found ourselves at a crossroad, left with the options of stopping photos altogether, or making them optional. Parents can now choose to see the photos if it’s worth $10 to them, or to opt out, which is a perfectly fine option. The good news is that we still sell a CD-Rom at the end of the week of all the photos so they are available (without the commercials at Bunk 1 that some find offensive). We also can post a lot more photos since we’re not using our server’s space. This is saving us a lot of staff time in prepping photos for the web. It also may not be clear to parents that $10 gets you a password for the whole summer so if you have three children going, you only need one account and to pay the $10 fee once.

As far as emails go, we have had multiple viruses on camp computers, almost all from either camper email, or from junk mail that came through our camper account. It has been frustrating and costly. Once we lost a computer to such a virus. Again, this “service” was started long before most camps and at no extra cost to parents, but lots of staff time, not to mention ink, paper and printer wear & tear. We can receive as many as 300 emails per day. Again, many parents who received this favor now expect it. Just like the photos, it was lose it, or make it optional. You are in no way required to use the Bunk 1 system. In fact we hope parents will consider sending letters and postcards the ‘old fashion way’ which usually come within one day and is more personal than a print out from the office.

Financially Pilgrim Lodge is feeling the squeeze like everyone else. Food costs are way up, as is fuel and other items. We want camp to be affordable but it grows increasingly complex. I pride myself on running PL in the black, or close to it, but last year we came up with a significant deficit. I spent a full three weeks this past January combing through every expenditure from 2007 and found very little ‘fat.’ Making emails and photos pay for themselves (we are not making a lot of money on them) is one way we can keep those services going but give parents an option out, as opposed to just taking these services away. It seemed a better option to give parents a choice.

I’m glad for the opportunity to explain. As always, we want to focus on our time with our campers, while still maintaining courtesies you've come to expect.

With thanks for your understanding,

Rev. Bryan S. Breault
Director of Outdoor Ministries
Maine Conference, United Church of ChristA Pilgrim Lodge Parent's unsolicited email:

Dear Bryan:

Our son is at camp right now and I have to tell you that we LOVE LOVE LOVE bunk notes. The ease of writing and sending in this format is great and it was simple to share with our friends and family. But we especially love the photo gallery. Seeing our son having such a good time in so many photos is a real treat and for my 10 year old it has really been wonderful as she misses her brother. We applaud the use of this system and can hardly wait until the next installment of PL photos. Thanks for doing such good ministry and for making such a fiscally responsible decision. Seeing our son and his PL family in so many photos each day was absolutely worth the small price.