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Reflections with Camp & Retreat Ministries
Covid-19 Update
Greetings,
This is a chaotic time in our world, nation, communities and families as we try to fathom the extent of this pandemic and what marks it will leave on our lives. We know that the President has extended the directive for physical distancing through April 30th and that Governor Brown’s declaration has no end date. Governor Little’s declaration extends to April 15th.
Last Saturday the Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries met via Zoom teleconference rather than in person at Camp Magruder. This was a regularly scheduled meeting that was abbreviated and relocated due to the directives of the Governors, the Bishop, and Camp and Retreat Ministries commitment to health and safety standards. The board discussed matters that were already on the agenda from the previous meeting as well as what the impacts of COVID-19 are to our campers, communities, staff and operation. The board, in fulfilling its due diligence, will be meeting again via Zoom this Saturday, April 4th to review the financial material that is being put together this week.
At this time, all events are cancelled through the end of April and we are preparing for a longer shutdown. Additional cancellations will be announced as the timeline continues to be formed by religious and governmental authorities as well as making sure that we can fulfill our policies related to the training and support for our summer staff (paid and volunteer) for our program events. We have 15 videos online for training summer staff and we are working on a training day to cover the material that can be learned without being on site.
Our national association is also working on materials and you can find the Virtual Day Camp that United Methodist Camp and Retreat professionals across the country are providing free to anyone who would like to engage with the work that we do in camp and retreat ministry.
Most of our sites are exploring ways that they can provide space for others during this difficult time. We are reaching out to emergency services in nearby communities, homeless advocacy organizations, and foster care for 18-21 year olds who are still connected with state services so that we might respond to the needs of others and fulfill our mission.
A quick note about our sites: Collins has a few staff working on maintenance and office projects to prepare them for re-opening when the time comes. Camp Latgawa has had volunteers working with the director, Kate Vaden, up until a few weeks ago getting the site cleaned up, they had snow this past weekend. Camp Magruder staff is taking care of a number of projects and supporting the community in ways that it can. Sawtooth, had an earthquake centered just north of the site, we are hoping to get someone in to take a look at buildings soon and report back to you. Suttle Lake, was planning on having many trees removed this spring by the Forest service to improve forest health, it now looks like that will happen in the fall. Wallowa Lake staff has been finishing up the replacement of the shower house. The directors will be on site early next week. Those of us connected in the conference office continue to receive donations, registrations, emails, texts and phone calls while we filter through the many challenges and opportunities to navigate this humanitarian and financial crisis.
Please pray for the board as they discuss these matters and develop a plan to sustain this important ministry of sacred spaces of Christian hospitality and learning. I will report back to you next week on the board’s decision.
May your experience of God’s love, the compassion of Christ and the flame of the Spirit shine brightly in your life.
See you around the campfire,
Rev. Todd Bartlett
Executive Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries
Snapshots of Camp and Retreat Ministries
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues on, we strive to fill your day with light and love. Please enjoy these photos, taken at the beautiful sites that we have nurtured together.
Blessings Report
- Beautiful, life-giving rain this week at Camp Latgawa
- The conveniences of modern technology to keep us connected during these times
- Words of comfort and love, found in the Bible, to fortify us
Please send your blessings to share in future issues of the e-news. Click on this link
