Camp Update – March 20
Greetings in Christ from Camp Io–Dis–E–Ca!
I want to take this time to write about the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic and how it impacts Camp Io–Dis–E–Ca as there are some ordinances that have come down that impact Camp for this spring and potentially beyond.
First, let me highlight what our guiding principle is at this time. Our biggest priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our campers and guests. We’ll be listening closely to and following guidelines provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health, and CDC, and our county health department.
For now, all camp events through Easter have been cancelled or postponed. A few other groups remain scheduled in April, but we’re waiting patiently on new ordinances and guideline recommendations. We will honor our authorities at Camp. Currently, groups of 10 or more are not allowed to gather until after the end of March, and it’s possible that may be extended, become more restrictive, or disappear altogether in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we are taking a good look at our health and safety policies and procedures here to accommodate any suggestions and recommendations that we can implement in user-group settings such as retreats, family reunions, and outdoor education and, of course, summer camp.
With regards to summer camp, it’s still on! We are still receiving registrations and had a fantastic opening for summer camp registration. We can’t wait to fulfill our mission of providing Christ-centered education, recreation, and inspiration, especially as it applies to summer camp. But as we plan for summer, we do so with the looming threat of this current pandemic. Though we’re planning for summer, we’re also planning for several contingencies in the event our summer schedule is impacted by government orders or health department recommendations.
Over the next few weeks, I ask that you please be patient with us as we see how things play out. We do recognize that many have already been affected by the pandemic, and potentially many more will be. We’re certainly willing to give refunds, especially to those who may need their money back due to financial need or to those who have already had their summer schedule impacted and can no longer attend camp. In the event we need to do widespread refunds, we’re hoping to develop a refund request form available soon at the Camp website, so stay tuned for that. But for now, I want to encourage patience as we wait and see what happens in the next several weeks.
A few closing thoughts. To get through this, Camp Io–Dis–E–Ca is definitely going to need lots of support. First, we need your prayers as we navigate through these next few weeks and months. Additionally, we will also likely need significant financial support. As of now, all of our Q2 revenue is at risk, and that’s a tough thing to deal with as we gear up for summer camp. In any of the most likely scenarios, we’re going to need to pursue some pretty significant financial strategies to get by so, if you’re able, please donate to Camp Io–Dis–E–Ca. A great way to support in this month is, if you are a Thrivent member, to direct your choice dollars to Camp Io–Dis–E–Ca today! You have until March 31 to direct your 2019 choice dollars. They expire after that!
We plan to follow up as we receive new information, and you will for sure hear from us on April 14. At that point, we should have a pretty good idea of which action steps to take and let you know.
Finally, let’s all take some comfort in the Words of Scripture. From John 16:32-33. “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” What an incredible reminder to us in this time of fear and tribulation that we look to Jesus, who has overcome the world through his life, death, and resurrection to bring us life and salvation. May these words bring us peace as we trust in the goodness of God to bring us through this challenging time, knowing that the world has been overcome by our Savior Jesus.