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 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Thankfully, no lives or animals were lost; however, reports from Camp Krem staff indicate that there is nothing 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.
2020 has been historic for all of us in it’s 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.
In the meantime we would like to share the message that Camp Krem posted yesterday to their social media;
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Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are heartbroken to report we received word that our precious Camp Krem is no longer standing. As of yet, we do not have all the specific details. We are told there is not much left, but still await an official notice from Cal Fire telling us it is safe to return and assess the damage. This could take days or weeks. We suspect it will still feel surreal until we are able to see it with our own eyes.
This was difficult news to receive and even more difficult to share. We know there are so many people who, like us, have loved and cherished our beautiful property for decades. So many people have poured their heart and soul into making Camp Krem the wonderful place it was. Countless individuals who have given Camp Krem their blood, sweat and tears over the last 63 years. To all of you, thank you.
During this difficult time, we must remember that Camp Krem is not just the buildings that sat atop our beautiful mountain. It is so much more than that. Camp Krem is the spirit of Alex Krem Sr., of those who worked alongside of him and all those who have come after him. It is our philosophies, our community and our friendships.
We do not know exactly what the future holds for our program, it is too early to tell, but we know that we will move forward! For now, we are simply grateful that our people and animals are safe. We will share more with you as we are able.
Please feel free to share your memories of Camp with us, so that we can remember the many times of joy!
Once again, our deepest gratitude to all those on the frontlines fighting this fire and working hard to protect our communities.
We remain dedicated to our mission and pledge to continue as soon as safety allows! This is not goodbye!
Our warmest regards,
Christina, Layla, Alex, Rebekah, Emily, Kenny, Gail & Leon
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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. While we’re sure that there will be no facilities at Camp Krem or any festivals for some time to come, we are certain that we will continue to create good in the world together in perpetuity. For now, please stay safe, be kind and remain hopeful.
With love and gratitude,
The DIO Family