Letter from the Headmaster re: COVID-19 (3-12-2020)

By: Casey Robinson on Mar 12, 2020 | Categories: General

Dear Parents, Guardians and Camden Military Family,

Due to the national outbreak of COVID-19 and out an abundance of caution, Camden Military Academy has decided to cancel the 2020 Spring Break. After consulting with government officials and much consideration, this decision was reached keeping in mind the health of our cadets and their families. Camden Military Academy currently has cadets from 36 different states. Therefore, CMA’s administration has determined that the best decision is to err on the side of caution. With this decision, there will be many questions and we will attempt to address those in the bullet points below. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times.

-Cadets will attend class over the planned Spring Break dates. However, if any families have Spring Break plans that require your son to leave campus for the break, please make sure that he takes home all books and supplies as he will be expected to complete assignments that he is missing. Any families having their son depart campus for the break, must understand that cadets may be asked to stay at home for an extended period of time due to places visited or if they reside in areas that government officials deem a “hot spot.” CMA administration is strongly discouraging the use of air travel or public transportation. Any cadet who utilizes public transportation may be required to remain at home for an undetermined time of quarantine. Assignments would be assigned to those cadets who must remain at home in quarantine. Also, cadets that leave campus during break may face self-quarantine before returning to campus. Please note that remaining on campus does not guarantee that a cadet will not contract the virus, but it certainly minimizes the risk that comes along with travelling and being in large crowds. The CMA administration strongly encourages families to have their son remain on campus for the planned Spring Break period.

-The school year will end one week early. Graduation will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2020. We realize that plans may have been made for the original graduation date but because the duration and effects of the COVID-19 outbreak is unknown, we believe that the “shortening” of the school year is best while still being able to award cadets full academic credit.

-All cadet off-campus activities will remain cancelled with the exception of sports. Athletic teams have restrictions in place as far as handshaking, fist bumping and high-fives. This policy is subject to change with any increase of COVID-19. If you prefer for your son not to participate in athletics during this time, please contact Col. Rice at .

Again, Camden Military Academy’s administration made these decisions with keeping our corps of cadets’ health a top priority. If you have any questions, please contact Col. Boland at 803-432-6001, Mr. Casey Robinson at 803-432-6001 or email . Also, please continue to monitor the Camden Military Academy’s blog, the “red bar” at the top of our website as well as CMA’s official social media platforms for any future updates.

Once again, thank you for your understanding and cooperation during these unprecedented times.

God Bless,

Eric Boland

COL, Headmaster

Camden Military Academy