After much prayer, discussion, and discernment, it is with deeply saddened hearts that we are informing you that a decision has been made to cancel Camp Re-NEW-All for the summer of 2020. It was a very difficult decision to make. However, as the diocesan leaders and camp directors reviewed the guidelines being distributed by the Center for Disease Control and other reputable sources, it was determined that Camp Re-NEW-All is not equipped or adequately staffed to make all necessary changes to comply with the recommended new safety and health protocols due to the spread of CoVid-19. We always strive to provide a safe camp experience for all and we feel we are not able to do that this year. Even if camp could make the necessary changes, it would greatly change the atmosphere and experience of camp itself to have so many restrictions in place. Examples of some of the recommendations are listed below:
- Clean and disinfect shared surfaces regularly and frequently. - Every surface in camp is a shared surface. Although surfaces are regularly cleaned, it would take a full time cleaning staff to stay on top of the extra cleaning and sanitizing protocol recommended this year.
- Avoid sharing clothing, toys, books, craft materials, etc. - It would be hard to monitor the sharing of items between kids - it's camp!
- Beds in cabins should be spaced 6 feet apart to allow for social distancing. Children should be instructed to stay in their own sleeping area. - Some beds would need to be removed to allow for social distancing which means canceling some of our registered campers. How do we choose who gets to come? We love you all. It would also be difficult to keep children from visiting with one another in the cabins.
- Keep children in small groups and limit mingling of groups. - Things like dining times, Mass, Adoration, large group games and activities would all have to be altered.
As you can see, these guidelines and other safety and hygiene measures would be difficult to manage at camp. Also, camp should be a place for kids to be kids! They should be able to share toys, give a "high five" or a hug without concern for spreading sickness. The restrictions would add stress rather than joy for many at camp.
Lastly, we have some wonderful adult volunteers who return year after year to help with camp. We do not want to risk their health by asking them to step forward as a volunteer this year. Some of them have already cancelled, leaving us short staffed at the moment.
Some who have already cancelled have donated their registration fee to camp. However, refunds will be issued to everyone who requests one. Please contact Katie Newton - [email protected] to request a refund.
Thank you for your understanding. Please join us in praying for some solutions to the Corona Virus. We are praying that you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy! We will be missing each one of you and we hope and pray you will be able to join us next summer for Camp Re-New-All!
