Every 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:
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.
We know you are going to need us to be at the top of our game. When this storm passes, MCYC will be ready.
What about Summer Camp?
At this time, May 12th, the leadership of MCYC has decided to cancel our summer camp programming for 2020. This is a very hard decision for us to make. We have spent a lot of time praying and discussing our decision. Through the 66 year heritage of MCYC we have done all we can to ensure an environment of Christian growth for your children and your grandchildren. This mission will not change as we pause our programming for the summer of 2020. There will still be many hands working to create an environment that will be amazing to return to in 2021. We believe that summer camp is one of the healthiest places a child can be on the planet. And we look forward to providing an unrivaled at-camp experience for the summer of 2021.
We are also planning some options for the summer of 2020 that we will get out to you as soon as we can and are able to adhere to guidelines that are being put in place by local authorities and the state health department.
We understand families will need to make their own best decisions as you move forward.
All campers will be automatically registered for summer camp in 2021 for the exact same week you have registered in 2020. Also, in 2021, we will lighten our age restrictions for certain weeks so that your older campers can still experience the best week of the year with some friends that may be a little younger. Everything will simply move a year. Should you need to adjust your week in 2021 you can do that all the way up to June 8, 2021. There will be no increase in your fee for 2021. What you paid in 2020 will cover the fee in 2021, even if there is a slight yearly increase in camp!If this is your choice there is nothing you need to do at this point. It is done.
Should you not take the option above we ask that you prayerfully consider one of the following. You may not know, but much of the summer fees we collect are spent through the year on supplies and staffing. Therefore, there will be financial impact to MCYC not just today, but moving forward.
Please consider your pre-paid summer camp fee as a donation (partial or full). We can easily move this to a tax-deductible donation for your 2021 tax season. As part of the CARES Act a deduction of up to $300 will now be allowable. For more information, you can go to, www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/taxes/T054-S001-cares-act-expands-charitable-giving-tax-deductions/index.html
Finally, we are happy to refund your camp fee in full. There will be no administrative fee should you choose to not come to camp in 2020 due to COVID-19. However, refunds will happen in the following manner. Your refund will be processed starting with the week you were to attend camp. Refunds will happen 30 - 60 days from that date. Therefore all refunds will be processed between July and August.
To move your summer camp fee to a donation (partial or full) or request a full refund, please contact Ann at summercamp@mcyc.org to make arrangements.
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.