WeEvery single one of us, every person in our community, is going through the exact same thing right now. COVID-19 continues to affect our world, impacting our kids, families, our businesses, our daily way of life.

We sincerely hope you and your loved ones are healthy, hopeful, and hanging in there, as best you can. If there is something we can do to help you, please let us know.

This is what we know for 2021:

We know things are going to be different this year.
We know that kids are going to need camp, more than ever.
We know that every one of us will need a place like MCYC.
Because we will need to unplug. To get away from our screens. To get outside. To go for a hike. To breath fresh air. To sing together. To roast a marshmallow over a campfire. To gaze at the full moon on a clear night. To catch a fish. To laugh with our group. To dip a canoe paddle in the water and glide across the lake. To worship together on wooden benches in the woods. To savor some cinnamon rolls. To ride a horse. To reset. Recharge. Refresh. Renew. Ourselves. Our spirits. Our relationships.

What about Summer Camp?

At this time, February 12, 2021 we are planning our summer camp program and also our day camps.  As well, we have added four weekends to our programing over the Spring and Summer to focus on families and give the opportunity for family units to attend and participate in camp together.  We will have an update on all items the week of June 1, 2021.
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We understand families will need to make their own best decisions as you move forward.  However, we are looking at a few changes in our overnight experience for 2021.  We will be limiting our overnight enrollment. 

  -  Currently we are planning to only have four to six camper groups each week.  This will give us the ability to host 40 to 84
       campers.
  -  We will only utilize our larger rooms for sleeping that hold 20 - 30 campers.  This will allow all our rooms plenty of space and 
        increased bathroom facilities in each room.
  -  For all campers that will be staying overnight we will sleep them in the rooms 'head to toe.'  This is recommended by the CDC, 
         American Camping Association (ACA), and our local health department in Lapeer county, Michigan.
  -  While in inside common areas it will be necessary to wear a mask to the table.  Then campers can remove their mask.  Each 
         camper group will be assigned tables to do their activity at or eat.  Thus staying in a shared group through the week.
  -  Meals will be served by staff in the lodge.  Campers will not serve themselves.  Each staff member will wear gloves and a mask
         while serving.
  -  When social distancing is not able to be done outside masks will be necessary.  For large group gatherings (chapel, bible study,
         etc.) each group will stick together in a 'cohort' style.

Registration/Drop Off Day: 

  -  We are currently waiting to see what we will do here.  It will look similar to what we do, but may be outside instead of inside.
          Adults of campers will receive instructions as we get closer to the actual camp your camper is attending.  Weather will be a 
          factor each week.  As well as overall attendance.
  -  There will be a screening process for campers.  No similar to what many of us are doing as we go to work or school today.
  -  We will not allow camper adults to go into the rooms to drop their camper off.  You will meet with a counselor and supporting 
          staff member outside the room.  This is where you will say your good-bye's, etc.  Our supporting staff member will take your 
          camper into the room and help them get set up.

Through the Week: 

  -  We will NOT allow any visitors to the campus during the week.  This means adults that are permitted to 'visit' your camper will 
          not be allowed to visit as some have done in the past.
  -  We will NOT allow campers to leave and come back for activities or family outings through the week.
  -  We will have all our staff and volunteers participate in a daily screening process.  Each counselor will monitor their campers.

Cleaning: 

  -  We will be maintaining all bathrooms through the week with contact surface cleaning and rooms in the same manner.
  -  All common areas will be cleaned and sanitized after each use.  Paying particular attention to high touch areas.
  -  While doing our normal extensive cleaning at the end of the week, each sleeping room, common area, and bathroom will be 
         fogged with a sanitizing spray to cover all areas.  Particular attention will be made to each mattress and common space where 
         campers sleep.

Filtration: 

  -  All sleeping rooms and common space have had upgraded air filters put in the ventilation.  Each filter will be at least MERV 13 
          rated or above.
  -  Fans have been purchased for our main lodge to allow better circulation of the air.
  -  We are currently applying for a grant for NuWave air purifiers.  Our hope is to put these in our smaller common and sleeping
          areas.  You can see the product here: NuWave OxyPure Smart Air Purifier (nuwaveairpurifier.com)


What Can I Do To Help Right Now?

Pray
Hold MCYC Staff and Board of Directors in prayer. We are always grateful for your prayers, especially now. Pray for our world. Pray for those who have been affected by the virus, particularly those who are sick. Pray for the first responders and healthcare heroes who are selflessly caring for those who have fallen ill.

Give
If you are certain enough in your personal financial situation and can make a gift to MCYC at this time, please do, because “Camp” is an expression of our humanity. Bringing people together to build community is important now, and will be even more important on the other side of the curve. With your help, together we can make MCYC stronger for the future for those who need it most.  You can do so at http://www.mcyc.org/donate.html

Spread the Word
If others ask you about MCYC or how they can help, please share this update with them.  Point them to the COVID-19 page on our website.  Like and share the posts you'll find on the MCYC Facebook or Instagram page. Share the above suggestions.

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me directly at 810-664-8040 or mcyc@mcyc.org.

Our office hours are severely limited due to current restrictions.  Please allow us to 48 - 72 hours to return a phone call as we are working remotely or are out on the camp taking care of the facility.


Be Well,
 
Kevin O’Sullivan
Executive Director