By Kiefer Dooley – Glacier View Ranch, Colorado . . .On Wednesday, May 27 the Glacier View Ranch (GVR) Board met to discuss the current status of GVR and to bring ideas that will move forward the mission of the property, facility and program. Glacier View Ranch exists as a space for people to gather and to experience; to explore ideas, adventure in beautiful places, ignite passions, summit mountains and moments, engage in relationships and to connect with God, as revealed by Jesus Christ in the inspired Word.
Board members arrived promptly at 9:30 am after dodging cyclists from Boulder, winding up the driveway and taking in the beautiful springtime sites that GVR offers up in late May – aspens budding, the sun shining and the damp ground from afternoon showers limiting the amount of dust that normally swirls around throughout the day. Welcomed by a gift of water bottles, N95 masks, gloves, and bottles of hand sanitizer at their socially distanced tables, board members were amused that even the Elk in the Elk Room was following protocol by wearing a mask. As everyone settled in, the meeting opened with the usual chitchat, prayer, and voting of the previous minutes before diving into the day’s agenda.
First, COVID-19 and financials. Because GVR exists as a place for people to gather, the social gathering restrictions imposed by our response to COVID-19 have put a damper on springtime facility usage and financials are down due to COVID-19 cancellation. Although not something that cannot be overcome, the group cancellations will have a real impact on the bottom line. GVR’s leadership will react by tightening spending and prioritizing only the most urgent projects.
Second, updates to the Board. Adding members to the board has been a priority over the last year as the team has been seeking to add energy, resources and vision to drive our mission forward. The board will be prioritizing the addition of individuals who care deeply about GVR, represent the vast areas of the RMC, and bring resources that will drive our mission forward. Vanessa Alarcon of Boulder Church and Don Hill of The Adventure church are the most recent member additions to the board. In lockstep with the board member additions, the board is also drafting a board member code of conduct and member agreement to guide the purpose, function and direction of the board.
Next, looking to the future. As communities look to reopen across the Country, GVR is working carefully to implement a staged plan to reopen to the constituency and the public. We will be staging our reopening to stay in step with county and state guidelines and to ensure the safety of everyone who enjoys our property and program. For now, GVR will be opening, in that we will only be allowing groups of 10 or less people per reserved area for Groups, Tent, RV camping, and day hiking. Social distancing must be practiced at all times, hand washing, wearing of masks while interacting with people other than your group is required. For your safety and others, if you have had any known contact with a person who is presenting COVID-19 symptoms or are feeling ill, please do not come. For rates and reservations please contact the GVR office at 303-459-0771.
Additionally, a ‘skeleton crew’ of Summer Camp staff will arrive at GVR on June 19, to spend 6 weeks working on Camp and Youth Department projects. Church members across the RMC will see the fruits of the Summer 2020 Staff’s labor.
Finally, Dan Hansen, Director of Camp Ministry, gave reports on the GVR 3/5 year project list before the board took a nice, socially distanced stroll around the property. Along the way, board members took in the various sights of projects that are in the works or nearing completion, including:
- Auditorium Refresh
- Pool Room Remodel & Code Updates (Winter Flood Mitigation)
- Camp Store Remodel
- Long House Upper Room Remodel
- High Ropes Course layout and plans
- Horse Barn and Arena needs and plans
- Storage Building Permitting and plans
- Sewage Treatment Plant maintenance and care
- Dining Hall Updates
As the Board meeting drew to a close with lunch provided by Chef Cori Watson in the dining hall, feelings of optimism hung in the air. We’re blessed with a strong leadership team that cares for the property, program and people. While COVID-19 has presented a few setbacks, we’re counting our blessings, crafting silver linings and very excited to be a part of the foundational work that is taking place at this time to provide a stronger, better, GVR for the future.
If you’re interested in utilizing GVR this summer, contact Dan or Julia Hansen, directors of camp ministry, as soon as possible by calling the camp office at 303-459-0771 or by email [email protected]. We anticipate our vacancies to fill quickly.
–Kiefer Dooley is RMC youth director; photo supplied
