Camp Concordia & Covid-19 (Part 2)

We are scratching our heads and wondering, just like you. We can all pretend to be scientists and/or prophets, but really it would be...just...pretend. God has this. And we are being as observant about what to do and how to move forward as we possibly can be. And so you might ask: What might summer camp 2020 look like?

Good Question!

The Camp Concordia Board of Directors met Saturday, April 25. There has been lot of discussion and prayer around summer camp. No one wants Camp Concordia to be the cause of something bad for any of our families. We know we are dependent on the information given to us by the state of Michigan. So this is our plan:

• May 16: On Saturday, May 16, the board of directors will make a decision about summer camp sessions for June. If there needs to be a change, we will contact you by email. If the state determines camp can not be run in June, we will advise families on open sessions for July. NOTE: Even if camp is able to be open all summer, it may be limited to 50 or less people.
• May 30: On Saturday, May 30, the board of directors will make a decision about summer camp sessions for July. If summer camp is open in July, the first session would begin Sunday, July 5th. NOTE: Even if camp is able to be open all summer, it may be limited to 50 or less people.

​Summer camp would look different than it has the last few years. Team building in close groups would be eliminated for now and there would be more "separated" activities like canoeing. Not too much of a change. We are exploring the idea of tube bandanas for each camper to wear and use when the time is right. Meals would be outdoors as often as weather permits and would be in shifts so campers can spread out. Cabins would have 1/2 the campers (a 12 person cabin would have 1 staff and 5 campers).

All of this will strain Camp Concordia financially, but we believe we can make it happen and there is a good reason to make it happen. Making these changes for 2020 does mean we will not get that $60,000 new roof for the Lodge and will instead buy the $60 can of roofing repair to temporarily fix our leaks. We can live with that if you can. 

If Camp Concordia cannot run this summer, families will be given options for their deposits and payments. 

• Donation - Camp Concordia depends completely upon donations and fees to maintain a sustainable ministry. Please consider contributing what you have already paid as a tax-deductible donation. If this is not possible, please consider donating the $100 deposit.
• Roll-over - Camp Concordia invests your deposit into staff recruitment and program supplies. With the loss of income this year, it will be a difficult year to maintain a sustainable ministry. If you cannot contribute the deposit to the ministry, please roll it over into 2021. The money will remain documented in your online account.
• Refund - Camp Concordia understands that not everyone can contribute in 2020 and will refund your payments and deposits if necessary, less $10 to cover transaction expenses.

At this date, the state of Michigan has not made recommendations or mandates about summer camps in 2020. The CDC should be providing guidelines this week for running camps safely. Thankfully, our summer staff have agreed to work all or part of the summer with some exceptions. Praise the Lord!