The Comeback
Steven Stubblefield
In Honor of Camp Krem
Dear friends and family,
We are devastated to inform you that the beloved Camp Krem (7-year location of DIO Fest, 60+ year summer camp for those with developmental disabilities) in Boulder Creek, CA has burned in the California wildfires.
Thankfully, no lives or animals were lost; however, reports from Camp Krem staff indicate that there is nothing much left on the property. We are utterly saddened and our hearts go out to the Camp Krem community and all those affected by the fires in Santa Cruz County and across California.
The Comeback
But we have dreams together of the future, of a big comeback, of a rebuilt amphitheater and other spaces purpose built for the musical therapy of Camp Krem’s non-typical campers, and for our community of artists and audiences to enjoy. We believe we can make this happen togerher.
2020 has been historic for all of us in its disruption, destruction, unrest and propensity for seismic shifts in our ways of living. In these trying times, we want to issue a message of hope and optimism.
We wish to offer a reminder of the strength and fortitude required to build Camp Krem starting back in the 1950’s and 1960’s under the leadership of Alex Krem, Sr. We wish to remind ourselves of the dedication and passion required to create the DIO community from scratch over the last eight years. We wish to celebrate all the lives that our respective organizations have changed (and even created) together. We are writing this message to affirm that we will continue on, we will rebuild, and we will continue to do good in the world, together.
Whether it is the loss of Camp Krem to fire, the loss of services to those with developmental disabilities during COVID-19 quarantine, the loss of event and touring income to our community of musicians and artists, or just the sense of despair that many of us have when looking at the state of our world affairs: we know will get through this.
We will rebuild and create and share and give again.
For now, we need some time to reflect, to rest and to allow ourselves the space to eventually move forward. We hope that you can do the same, and that you can find hope and optimism in the midst of all this, that at some point soon we can be inspired to create new ways to give, share and do-it-ourselves.
Our hearts go out to Camp Krem. If you feel compelled and able, you can donate to Camp Krem following the link below, we know they will appreciate the support as they look to what is next. Also, there has been an outpouring of love and support for Camp Krem on their social media, so please share your memories there if you have them so we can all smile and cry and laugh and remember.
https://campingunlimited.org/donate/
https://www.facebook.com/CampKrem1957
@camp.krem on instagram
@doitourselvespresents on instagram
We look forward to being in touch with you as things develop, and when ready we’ll let you know what is next for the comeback. For now, please stay safe, be kind and remain hopeful.
With love and gratitude,
The DIO Family