COVID-19 Update 5
Beacon Bible Camp
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 Beacon family -
We want to let you know how grateful we are for the whole of the Beacon family. You have blessed us in many ways: encouraging notes, prayers, financial gifts, and even simple emails telling us how excited you are for camp to be back!
Over the last few months, the Beacon Board of Trustees and year-round staff have been carefully planning for our summer of 2021. There are a lot of “knows” and “don’t knows”. Over the next weeks, we plan to give you a more full picture of what the summer will look like. Here’s what we can share today:
What We Don’t Know:
The Ontario government has not released their operating framework for camps yet. We need to wait until we have permission (from the government, the Ontario Camps Association and the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit) to open - which could include many types of restrictions.
It is fairly likely that overnight youth camps are not going to be allowed this summer in a way that would make sense for Beacon.
We’re not sure of the timing of our summer programs. We have questions on pre-camp isolation for our program, maintenance and kitchen staff and the protocol after they leave camp.
What We Know:
We want to operate camp in some format and fulfill our mission while keeping everyone safe and healthy.
Last summer, other camps in Ontario were allowed to operate as family bubble camps with no known COVID-19 cases.
Last summer, some camps operated as day camps, where younger campers created small in-camp cohorts and participated in activities and lessons.
Beacon’s Current Plans for Summer 2021:
Family Camps: We will be offering multiple family bubble camps. These will look similar to our family camps, but with more specific protocols in place to keep family units together.
Day Camps: We are also exploring how to host day camps for local (Muskoka) campers. Campers will likely be bussed in from local towns on a daily basis and returned home for dinner.
Other Opportunities: We won’t be able to reach all the youth campers that normally attend Beacon. We’re exploring how we can connect with them in a helpful, Christ-centred way. We are going to be just as creative as last summer in our attempts to reach as many people as possible for Christ.
Normally, registration launch is on February 1. This year, we are delaying our registration start until at least March. This will help us gain more clarity from government and local officials. When we’re ready, we’ll announce registration dates and details over social media and emails.
Right now, all our plans are tentative. We know God will allow the best path for His ministry to move forward. We 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. Once again, thank you for being so supportive of Beacon's ministry.
Stay safe and healthy, and God bless you,
Luke LaRocque and Brian Fairley
Executive Director and Board Chair, Beacon Bible Camp