Summer is on the horizon and I know you’ve been patiently awaiting news about the future of our Camp season. Your safety, and that of our staff and volunteers, has always been our first priority but we remained hopeful that we could develop a creative solution for this unprecedented situation.
I’m very pleased to report that after weeks of research, consulting with other family camps, and the latest guidance from the State of Michigan, the board has authorized a special retreat model for this summer: Family Retreat Lite.
Pivoting to this option, however, required the difficult decision to cancel our regularly scheduled retreats from June 27 through September 7. This includes our 9 family retreats, our Lutherhostel retreat for older adults, and our Labor Day Family Weekend.
Please know this was a tremendously difficult choice — I’m so grateful for the prayers and support the board, staff and I received as we were wrestling with this issue. However, this pivot allows us to operate Camp this summer and fulfill our mission of fostering the renewal of the whole person — spirit, mind, and body. I know you agree that our mission is crucial, more than ever, right now.
Family Retreat Lite will take the place of traditional family weeks, running from June 27 – August 28 and then again over Labor Day Weekend – September 4 – 7.
The Family Retreat Lite model allows us to operate Camp while adhering to appropriate health and safety guidelines by:
- reducing the number of guests at Camp
- limiting shared bathrooms
- offering carry-out meal options and in-dining experiences
- eliminating indoor programs and moving to more outdoor experiences
- reducing programming / eliminating staff supervision of children
Click here to learn more about Family Retreat Lite.
Given these new programming constraints and the limited guest space, I know this means not everyone registered will be able to or choose to attend this summer. And while some of the programs and traditions that you have come to love will be suspended for the summer, my staff and I are excited to offer new experiences that will create meaningful moments for your whole family. We know that our God is mighty and will use Camp Arcadia to bring families and individuals closer to Him and to each other this summer.
A note about our summer staff. Our Family Retreat Lite model necessitates fewer summer staff, because of reduced programming and financial constraints. We are working with our current staff to determine who will be at Camp this summer. But rest assured that we will support all of them, whether they are here or not, with spiritual, personal, and professional growth opportunities. Please keep this special group of young adults in your prayers.
If you’re currently registered for a family week you will be given the opportunity to submit a registration for the new Family Retreat Lite. If you choose not to submit a registration, you will be given the opportunity to donate all or a portion of your deposit to Camp Arcadia’s ministry. Even with our new retreat option, your donation is crucial to Camp Arcadia’s financial stability and will allow us to continue to carry out our mission now and in years to come. Of course, we will give a partial or full refund if that is desired. We will be reaching out to all registrants for the summer via email and with a follow-up phone call.
The board, staff, and I extend our deepest thanks to the entire Camp Arcadia family for generously coming together to support each other and to preserve and protect Camp’s ministry. You have inspired us with your prayers, gifts and encouragement. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we move forward with Family Retreat Lite, train our staff, and welcome guests during this extraordinary season.
God be with you till we meet again,
Chip May
Executive Director
One Response
Hi Chip –
I was sooo sad to hear Lutherhostel was cancelled.
I watched & listened to your message and cried through the whole message.
You gave a great message and don’t
know how you made it through without crying.
Hope to see you and all the staff next year.