As we navigate the new world that has come from this coronavirus, we are committed to sharing with you as much information as we’re able. Like you, we are all walking through a valley of uncertainty and a lack of information, but what we know for sure, we will tell you. This regular blog update will happen when we can let you know more about the situation at Beacon, but we ask that you reference our Beacon and COVID-19 page for the latest information. You can find that page by clicking here.

Dear friends,

We've seen many encouraging notes, messages and phone calls over the last few weeks. This is an interesting time for everyone, and we're grateful that so many of you have thought of us in your prayers and actions. We wanted to take a moment to give you a quick update about how things are going at Beacon, specifically about this coming summer. Over the past 6 weeks we have been monitoring both the impact of COVID-19 in our community and the response necessary to reduce its spread. As a Board and leadership team, we continue to plan for camp this summer. The quick thing to say is that not much has changed, but we want to connect with you so you stay in the loop.

We are fully aware that a “normal” summer is not likely. This week, the Ontario government issued the framework to reopen the economy which defines expectations for distancing, cleanliness, hygiene and food services. Specific requirements are being issued to different segments of the economy when that segment is approved to return to operation. We're now taking that information and determining how it will specifically affect us at Beacon this year - this takes time, and it also changes frequently as we receive updated information from government and health officials. Even as we plan for on-site activities this year, we are looking at how to increase our cleaning and safety protocols to protect everyone's health.

No matter what we are able to do this summer, Beacon's focus will always be on maintaining our Christian testimony and the health and safety of all our campers and staff. We've already arranged virtual training for staff and new leaders starting this month, as we are unable to meet together face to face. We are also defining a timeline to prepare our facilities for use (given that our spring preparation activities were prevented by the current shutdown). Currently, there is at least a month's worth of work to be completed before camp can be "ready for business".

Going forward, Beacon's leadership will assess the effectiveness of being able to operate Beacon this summer while maintaining the restrictions for our segment of the economy. Every two weeks, the Beacon Board of Trustees is meeting with the leadership team to assess plans for the summer and our response to guidance from the government. We will be communicating with you on a more frequent basis as the summer approaches. You can always visit the COVID-19 update page on our website, which you can find here.

As we're still planning for the summer, we're still continuing as before in terms of our financial planning. From our experience, we know that monthly installment payments are something that families "set and forget", which can lead to a surprise if you're not expecting a payment to Beacon. Part of this email is a friendly reminder that our May installment payments will be processed on Monday May 4, 2020.

As we announced in March, we have changed our refund policy this year to remove all cancellation fees. This change in policy will also apply if we have to change our summer programming in any way - your money is your money. Between now and this summer, if you need to cancel your camp registration or hold your monthly installment payment, just email Suzie in the camp office and she'll help you out. We are actively looking for ways to help you as much as we can.

Once again, thank you for being so supportive of Beacon's ministry - it means so much to us. We truly want to hear from you. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any of your concerns as we prepare for the summer or your perspective on preparedness. All you have to do is reply to this email and you'll reach us directly.

Stay safe and healthy, and God bless you,

Luke LaRocque and Brian Fairley
Executive Director and Board Chair, Beacon Bible Camp