May 18, 2020
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Dear Summer Camp Families,

After two months of extensive study, consultations, meetings and prayer, we, like most other camps in Virginia, have decided to suspend our current schedule of overnight camps and day camps for the 2020 summer season.
 
Our public announcement will be May 20 via email, eNews, Facebook, and video. Our website will reflect these changes as soon as possible.
 
Since March, we have navigated a flood of information, forums, local and national Zoom calls, webinars, and workshops specifically about the impact of COVID-19 on Summer Camps. We have attempted, like all camps, to discern what might or might not be possible all while deciphering the vague CDC guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/Camps-Decision-Tree.pdf), the new “Forward Virginia” guidelines and Phases (https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/Virginia-Forward-Phase-One-Business-Sector-Guidelines.pdf), and the ACA/YMCA “Field Guide for Camps on Implementation of CDC Guidance” (https://www.acacamps.org/resource-library/coronavirus/camp-business/camp-operations-guide-summer-2020)
 
Even if Virginia moves quickly into Phase 3 by early July, the extraordinary new protocols, procedures, and logistics necessary to provide food services SAFELY and to operate programs SAFELY are beyond our scope and infrastructure. A few years ago, we suspended our James River Canoe Trip because the flooded river was too dangerous. Likewise, we’re suspending Summer 2020 to keep everyone safe.

The science and medicine (testing, tracing, and treatment) just hasn’t caught up enough to ensure SAFE camp experiences.  Under these conditions, having camp would be irresponsible. Suspending camp is the right decision.
 
We have worked in solidarity with multiple other camps in Virginia (faith-based camps and secular camps, resident camps and day camps). As of today, 39 of 44 regional camps we follow closely have announced suspension of summer programs. 
 
If you have already registered, you have risk-free options: (1) you can forward any payments toward 2021 pre-registration; (2) you can donate all-or-part of your payments (to help ensure we can be open in 2021); or (3) you can receive a full refund. PLEASE COMPLETE THE SHORT "DONATE-TRANSFER-REFUND" FORM HERE.
 
I encourage you to read this excellent article which wisely summarizes everything we've read and thought: "Unless we can ensure that each of us is safe at camp, we all have to stay home." https://www.thesummercampsociety.com/blog/2020/5/12/unless-we-can-ensure-that-each-of-us-is-safe-at-camp-we-all-have-to-stay-home?fbclid=IwAR3x4EGSjNzbqeRfKgSjK6Z8VLS2R3_uw7XiueY64vFKq1KvGugpl242QK0
 
I hope you will subscribe to our occasional eNews, and watch our website for announcements and new content throughout May, June and July. We’re planning several free creative self-guided program options for individuals and families. We will regularly update our social media and “Camp At Home” videos (https://www.campbethelvirginia.org/campathome.html).
 
If you are able, please consider a donation to Camp Bethel to help us bridge these challenging months. Be assured: we’re carefully preserving our limited resources, and we’re using this time to make Camp even better. If others ask you about Camp Bethel or how they can help, please share this email with them, point them to our website, and also share our posts (Facebook.com/CampBethelVirginia and Instagram.com/CampBethelVirginia).
 
I welcome your thoughts and questions. We covet your prayers, especially for our volunteers and our summer staff who had committed so much already to serve in our ministry this summer. When this storm passes, Camp Bethel will be ready. We continue our mission to foster and build relationships with God, with each other, and with creation.
 
Remember: you are precious to God, and you are LOVED by many. We’re so grateful for each of you. THANK YOU for your continued support for Camp Bethel!
 
Together, in Christ our hope,
 
Barry LeNoir
Director, Camp Bethel in Fincastle, VA