Letter from the Board May 2021
Dear Friends and Supporters of BYC,
We thought this would be over by now. We never imagined that as the summer of 2021 approached we would have to once again consider the impact of COVID on our camping program. But it’s not over, and this is our reality, and so we have been prayerfully seeking the Lord while waiting for the State’s Overnight Camping Guidelines and updates to be published.
In April, our Executive Committee met for the purpose of reviewing the Guidelines and envisioning what BYC camping would look like in light of them. This past Saturday, BYC’s full Board met, with the most updated version of the Guidelines in hand, for the same purpose.
Regrettably, we find the measures under which we would be required to operate this year untenable and inconsistent with the mission and methods of BYC.
Recommendations and requirements such as everyone on campus producing a negative COVID test within 72 hours of coming to camp (we struggle to get everyone to bring basic paperwork), a 10 day quarantine for staff members prior to serving at camp (many of our staff are week to week, and are not even on campus for a total of 10 days), ongoing testing while at camp (questions are unanswered as to the availability and reliability of the types of tests we can administer), separate and several dining times for smaller groups (added workload for food service), necessary program alterations (no “options”, campers will have to stay with their cabin group for all activities where distancing can’t be practiced, no visitors to campus, no closing program, etc.), health center (quarantine space) and administrative (notification) requirements, masking outside of cabin groups, and the probability (likelihood) of being shut down in the event of outbreak (3 cases) are all examples of rules and expectations that, if followed, not only introduce significant changes to existing systems and routines, but also place an incredible burden on everyone and threaten to turn our sense of Christian camping into something it should not be. BYC is about experiencing Christ in community, worship and relationships. Often, the highlights of camp include sitting around the table over a meal, laughing and playing, campus wide evening activities, singing in chapel and shouting unto the Lord. None of these, in the form and places we have come to know and appreciate them, are possible under the most recent requirements. The rules and expectations are simply incompatible with our camping model.
Furthermore, BYC has always been a place for kids and volunteers alike to come and get away from the cares of the world. It seems quite obvious that, if we hold camp and follow the new guidelines, we will be importing a good dose of the world’s cares into the camp experience.
Convinced of this, it is with sorrow over yet another pandemic loss that we’re writing to share what we know will be unwanted news, that BYC will not be able offer traditional overnight camping this season.
Please know this decision was not arrived at lightly, but through prayer and careful consideration. Also know that as or if conditions and expectations change, we are open to and looking for opportunities to host some sort of camp ministry on the grounds of BYC this year. We are investigating the possibility of day camps, fall retreats and other types of specialized programming.
Our mission and goals remain unchanged. We pray that many will experience Christ through opportunities that include genuine awe, intentional community and authentic worship. We plan to use this season wisely; to develop future staff members, to make facility improvements as the Lord provides, to explore opportunities for gathering and growth digitally and in-person, as we are able, to make plans for the future and to minister in any way the Lord leads. Please keep the ministry of BYC in your prayers.
“God is awesome, all the time” is just as true in the hard times as it is in the good times and perhaps might be an important reminder when things are difficult.
We love, and miss you. We anticipate the ways the Lord is leading and are excited for the years ahead!
Love in Christ,
Scott Conners
Bob Maddocks
Tina Donnell
Eric Ekman
Brad Phillips
Donna Theall
Justin Arseneau
Bonnie Moretto
Adrian Munro
Dear Friends and Supporters of BYC,
We thought this would be over by now. We never imagined that as the summer of 2021 approached we would have to once again consider the impact of COVID on our camping program. But it’s not over, and this is our reality, and so we have been prayerfully seeking the Lord while waiting for the State’s Overnight Camping Guidelines and updates to be published.
In April, our Executive Committee met for the purpose of reviewing the Guidelines and envisioning what BYC camping would look like in light of them. This past Saturday, BYC’s full Board met, with the most updated version of the Guidelines in hand, for the same purpose.
Regrettably, we find the measures under which we would be required to operate this year untenable and inconsistent with the mission and methods of BYC.
Recommendations and requirements such as everyone on campus producing a negative COVID test within 72 hours of coming to camp (we struggle to get everyone to bring basic paperwork), a 10 day quarantine for staff members prior to serving at camp (many of our staff are week to week, and are not even on campus for a total of 10 days), ongoing testing while at camp (questions are unanswered as to the availability and reliability of the types of tests we can administer), separate and several dining times for smaller groups (added workload for food service), necessary program alterations (no “options”, campers will have to stay with their cabin group for all activities where distancing can’t be practiced, no visitors to campus, no closing program, etc.), health center (quarantine space) and administrative (notification) requirements, masking outside of cabin groups, and the probability (likelihood) of being shut down in the event of outbreak (3 cases) are all examples of rules and expectations that, if followed, not only introduce significant changes to existing systems and routines, but also place an incredible burden on everyone and threaten to turn our sense of Christian camping into something it should not be. BYC is about experiencing Christ in community, worship and relationships. Often, the highlights of camp include sitting around the table over a meal, laughing and playing, campus wide evening activities, singing in chapel and shouting unto the Lord. None of these, in the form and places we have come to know and appreciate them, are possible under the most recent requirements. The rules and expectations are simply incompatible with our camping model.
Furthermore, BYC has always been a place for kids and volunteers alike to come and get away from the cares of the world. It seems quite obvious that, if we hold camp and follow the new guidelines, we will be importing a good dose of the world’s cares into the camp experience.
Convinced of this, it is with sorrow over yet another pandemic loss that we’re writing to share what we know will be unwanted news, that BYC will not be able offer traditional overnight camping this season.
Please know this decision was not arrived at lightly, but through prayer and careful consideration. Also know that as or if conditions and expectations change, we are open to and looking for opportunities to host some sort of camp ministry on the grounds of BYC this year. We are investigating the possibility of day camps, fall retreats and other types of specialized programming.
Our mission and goals remain unchanged. We pray that many will experience Christ through opportunities that include genuine awe, intentional community and authentic worship. We plan to use this season wisely; to develop future staff members, to make facility improvements as the Lord provides, to explore opportunities for gathering and growth digitally and in-person, as we are able, to make plans for the future and to minister in any way the Lord leads. Please keep the ministry of BYC in your prayers.
“God is awesome, all the time” is just as true in the hard times as it is in the good times and perhaps might be an important reminder when things are difficult.
We love, and miss you. We anticipate the ways the Lord is leading and are excited for the years ahead!
Love in Christ,
Scott Conners
Bob Maddocks
Tina Donnell
Eric Ekman
Brad Phillips
Donna Theall
Justin Arseneau
Bonnie Moretto
Adrian Munro
