PNW Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries Alan Rogstad shared this message with camping ministry supporters this week, sharing the difficult decision to suspend summer camp and retreat operations at all four camps within the Pacific Northwest Conference.
Dear PNW Camp Friends,
Since late March our Directors, along with the Camping Boards of Stewards, have been in deep discernment about the 2020 summer camp season. We have sought guidance from the American Camp Association, local health departments, the PNW Conference, and the Holy Spirit. We have looked at every possible way to provide summer camps and host retreats according to available guidelines, including the Greater NW Area “Reimagining Life Together” plan. We have prayerfully reached the decision that we must suspend summer camp and retreating operations for the summer 2020 season at Indianola, Lazy F, Ocean Park, and Twinlow camps.
With all the factors, known and still unknown about COVID-19, we know that we must first and foremost do no harm. We no longer feel confident we can ensure this will be the case for our summer campers and guests. This has of course been a very difficult decision. We feel a great sense of loss. However, we feel it is necessary for the health and safety of all who come through the gates of our camps.
As we navigate through this time, please know that we are actively looking at alternative ways to bring the joy and message of camp to as many as possible this summer. While it cannot replace the experience of being at camp, we are working to provide on-line resources such as virtual campfires, crafts, games, and other resources to help re-create the camp experience at home. Please check out the YouTube and Facebook offerings already posted by each of our camps.
While we know that the decision of safety is always the correct choice, it does come at a financial cost to the camps. In the coming weeks and months, we will be asking supporters to help our camps navigate this continued closure. We pray you will join us when the opportunity for giving arises.
Finally, we ask that you please be in prayer for all who work at our PNW Camps. In this challenging time, we promise to continue to serve in all the ways we can, in all the places we can, for all the people we can, for as long as we can. Of course, we will be praying for all of you until we can gather around the campfire again.
In Christ.
Alan Rogstad
Executive Director
PNW Camp and Retreat Ministries
