Summer 2020: Friends & Family Retreats and More
Dear Camp Perkins Campers, Families, and Community,
Although in May our Board of Directors and staff leadership made the difficult decision to suspend this summer’s traditional youth camps, we are happy to be able to offer Extended Friends & Family Retreats! Come experience camp for a weekend or extended weekend with those you love to spend time with!
Due to regulations, the programming will be different than usual, and we know this does not replace the summer camp experience for your child. However, it will still be a time of fellowship, outdoor recreation, and praising Jesus together! You can even add a horseback ride or whitewater rafting adventure for an additional fee. For more information, visit the Adult & Family Retreats page.
Leaders in Training camp and Ridges camps are still scheduled. These ministries, by nature of their reduced size and type of programming, are more readily tailored to the current guidelines. See below for more information.
If you can't come to camp, then maybe we can bring camp to you! We are exploring the opportunity to bring an in-person campfire experience to various regions of Southern Idaho where we can gather safely on the lawn of a church and bring a slice of camp to your community. Contact the camp office if you would like to organize a camp event at your church.
Although in May our Board of Directors and staff leadership made the difficult decision to suspend this summer’s traditional youth camps, we are happy to be able to offer Extended Friends & Family Retreats! Come experience camp for a weekend or extended weekend with those you love to spend time with!
Due to regulations, the programming will be different than usual, and we know this does not replace the summer camp experience for your child. However, it will still be a time of fellowship, outdoor recreation, and praising Jesus together! You can even add a horseback ride or whitewater rafting adventure for an additional fee. For more information, visit the Adult & Family Retreats page.
Leaders in Training camp and Ridges camps are still scheduled. These ministries, by nature of their reduced size and type of programming, are more readily tailored to the current guidelines. See below for more information.
If you can't come to camp, then maybe we can bring camp to you! We are exploring the opportunity to bring an in-person campfire experience to various regions of Southern Idaho where we can gather safely on the lawn of a church and bring a slice of camp to your community. Contact the camp office if you would like to organize a camp event at your church.
Review the new HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS in place at camp: Summer 2020 Guest Guide
The Board of Directors and leadership staff will continue to meet regularly and review guidelines from the CDC and local health authorities.
Please see below for specific information regarding scheduled events:
The Board of Directors and leadership staff will continue to meet regularly and review guidelines from the CDC and local health authorities.
Please see below for specific information regarding scheduled events:
YOUTH CAMP (EXCEPT LIT AND RIDGES)
If you made payments for Summer Camp 2020, please complete the Transfer or Refund Form. You have several options for payments made, including transferring to 2021, donating some or all payments, receiving a refund, and combinations of those options.
SPRING WORK WEEKEND
June 19-21. We are also exploring opportunities for small groups of 10 or under to come work on various projects, such as reworking the trails after the power lines are buried. We would love to have Thrivent Action Teams sponsor these opportunities. We may need groups to come just for the day and provide their own sack lunches pending CDC Guidelines. Please contact us if you would like to discuss volunteering.
TRAVELING DAYCAMPS
We are hoping to provide resources as you seek to do ministry for your community. Emily will contact you regarding options for your 2020 deposit and 2021 reservation.
LEADERS IN TRAINING CAMP
We have rescheduled the LIT Training Camp Week for June 28th. The LIT program lends itself more naturally to following the CDC guidelines without feeling so restrictive - a small group of older youth who are more able to socially distance and utilize increased hand hygiene. Additionally, the LIT training is an entirely self-contained and unique program from Youth Camp.
Ridges Backpacking
The Ridges Backpacking program meets many of the guidelines fairly organically - it is a small group of 12 or fewer who spend nearly 100% of their time outdoors. There is no need for close prolonged contact in normal circumstances. Though some of the trails are narrow, we will work to select routes that are less frequented by other travelers. There are considerations in food preparation, potentially packing in and out a few more disposable items or utilizing pre-made food pouches. Please contact the office for information.
FAMILY WEEK AND WEEKENDS AND STAFF ALUMNI RETREAT
If you are currently registered for a family event or alumni retreat, please do not cancel if you are still interested in attending. You can even add additional nights through your account. Please check the Retreats page for dates and details.
Original announcement about suspending youth camp for 2020: Summer Youth Camp Announcement
More about the decision and protocols for this summer: Decisions and Checkpoints
Tips for explaining camp cancellation to youth, and for caring for yourself: Tools for Parents
Help by donating: Though we are trusting God that Camp Perkins will survive through this challenge, there has already been a financial impact, and there continue to be additional difficult decisions to make. As we continue to pray for you, we ask for your prayers in return, and for your continued support and generosity towards this ministry we all love deeply. If you would like to make a gift to help camp through this time, visit our donation page.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
More about the decision and protocols for this summer: Decisions and Checkpoints
Tips for explaining camp cancellation to youth, and for caring for yourself: Tools for Parents
Help by donating: Though we are trusting God that Camp Perkins will survive through this challenge, there has already been a financial impact, and there continue to be additional difficult decisions to make. As we continue to pray for you, we ask for your prayers in return, and for your continued support and generosity towards this ministry we all love deeply. If you would like to make a gift to help camp through this time, visit our donation page.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.