Statement by the summer camp organsation

April 17th, 2020
Cancelling of the 36th International Shinson Hapkido Summer Camp in Northern Germany

Dear Friends of Shinson Hapkido
Mandy Guiterrez-Plasser,  Ilka Volz and I have been thinking about whether and how the summer camp could take place in these special times. On Friday we had another exchange of ideas and we came to the decision that we unfortunately have to cancel the summer camp. We can't take the responsibility for it, because the risks are too high. 
The summer camp has always been an event FOR ALL and FOR OUR HEALTH AND COMMUNITY and it should continue to be so in the future.
The reasons for our decision (apart from the fact that the government has also banned all major events) 
- Especially people who belong to risk groups will not be able to participate. This concerns especially older people, but also people with pre-existing conditions.
- Maybe people from other countries will not be able to come because the borders are closed.
- Many will not come because of caution or because their holidays are cancelled.
In addition, it would be difficult or impossible to meet hygiene and safety standards:
- In the marquee and in the dance tent we always sit very close together, that is a risk. The same applies to the serving of drinks and food.
- When showering, many people are at the same time, there is an increased risk of transmission due to the water vapour.
- But especially the training itself, with contact and kihap, offers many possibilities of transmission and so there is the danger that some people on the camp get sick and in addition to that many people who were on the camp would infect others at home. And so there are still many reasons.
It was not easy for us because the summer camp is such a nice and special event, but we are sure that it is the right decision. Then let's go the path of renunciation together with all of us and stay connected in our hearts.
But we definitely don't want to forget Casa Verde and the Hamburg street magazine Hinz&Kunzt and would like to call for donations during the week of the camp. Perhaps people could donate their participation fee. But that is of course free.
We wish you all the best and send you a warm greeting from Hamburg!

Bu-Sabomnim Astrid, Kyosanim Mandy and Kyosanim Ilka