by RMC Youth Ministry Department — Ward, Colorado … May 1, 2020. It is with heavy hearts that we must inform you that we are cancelling our Summer Camp Program for 2020 at Glacier View Ranch and Mills Spring Ranch due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have painstakingly considered our response to the COVID-19 pandemic and held out as long as we could in the hopes that an alternative to cancellation would emerge. We’ve carefully weighed considerations of county, state and federal regulations, safety of our camp staff, campers and their families, and financial commitments against a multitude of options for operating a modified program for the summer. Unfortunately, there is not a single reasonable solution that would simultaneously be a full guarantee to legally operate, maintain health and safety regulations and/or be affordable within the scope of our budget.
On April 28, our Youth Ministry Department, along with the entire Rocky Mountain Conference Leadership team, voted unanimously that closing the summer camp program for the 2020 season is the most responsible (and honestly, the only decision) that we could make.
As we’re typing this message, the absurdity, depth, complexity and scale of this situation is really sinking in. No one wants camp to happen more than us. This news is going to be tough for our camp staff and our campers alike. Our hearts break alongside those of every member of our community. We’re going to miss the opportunity to gather and to experience; to explore ideas and relationships, adventure in beautiful places, ignite passions, summit mountains and moments, engage with God and connect with each other.
While there is so much that we will all miss out on this summer, we can say with confidence that God is going to do big things at our camps and in each of your lives. Our eyes may not see it and our hearts might not feel it in this moment, but our faith in the life and victory of Jesus tells us that it is true. It is true for summer camp, for our department, and for each of you. We promise that we are going to keep our precious campers in mind and take every opportunity presented this summer to turn this unfortunate cancellation into actions that develop our camp programs beyond our wildest imaginations.
It is true that our world feels out of our control right now. In times like these, it is more important than ever to stay rooted and grounded in your community and in your faith. We encourage you to reach out to God, remaining confident in Him. Ultimately, our faith is not in the things of this world but is in Jesus Christ. Join us in claiming the promise in Paul’s message to the Christians in Rome:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” [Romans 15:13 ESV].
Sincerely,
Kiefer Dooley, Jessyka Dooley, and Brent Learned
Your RMC Youth Ministry Department
