Hello from the directors of Aldersgate, Asbury, Casowasco, Sky Lake, and Skye Farm! Despite the many challenges of the pandemic, God has been faithful and our sites have been able to host guest groups and families in safe and impactful ways. With summer on the horizon, we wanted to answer some questions you might have about what might be possible on our sites this summer.
Will summer programs happen at UNY Camp and Retreat Centers this year?
We hope so! We’re committed to the safety, health, and well-being of all who set foot on our sites. There are certain kinds of programs we know we can safely run this summer, including many retreats, family programs, and day programs.
The open question is overnight, residential programs for children and youth, including traditional summer camp, Express Mini programs, and Special Needs programs. New York State has indicated camps may plan to open for summer camp this year but hasn’t yet published its safety regulations and requirements. Our ability to offer summer camp will depend on each site’s ability to afford the cost of additional safety requirements while keeping fees affordable for our families.
How will I know when a decision has been made or when registration opens?
Staff will make sure you are informed of the latest developments with summer camp! We are committed to open and timely communication with our campers, guests, churches, and parents and will share updates on our websites, via email, and social media.
If I attend a summer program this year, what’s going to be different?
We know the need to keep our summer guests safe, even as we come out of the pandemic, will mean some things about the summer camp will be different, and that’s okay. The directors at each site will give each family and guest groups the opportunity to read and understand our new COVID – 19 guidelines and procedures. In addition to these guidelines, each site will require campers and guests to sign a covenant, agreeing to follow the guidelines so our environment is safe and welcoming. What won’t be different this year? The countless opportunities to learn, grow, and smile, the beauty of God’s creation, and the transformative power of God’s love.
What if things change?
Luckily, if there’s one thing we’ve gotten better at over the past year, it’s operating from a place of adaptability and grace. We understand the need to be flexible and have instituted a relaxed refund policy to relieve some of the stress of uncertainty experienced by campers and guest groups:
- Day Camp and Resident Camp: If a camper feels uncertain about attending a camp or other program due to COVID-19 or feels ill or shows signs of COVID-19, we will either transfer their registration fee to another week of camp in 2021 or offer a complete refund. The refund must be requested no later than the first day of the camp experience. (If the camper is a no call/no show, the deposit will be forfeited).
- Retreat Groups: If a retreat group needs to cancel due to a COVID-19 uncertainty or illness, refunds will be allowed 14 days prior to the start date of the event. (If the retreat group is a no call/no show, the balance of the invoice will be due).
We’re eager to welcome you, your family, and friends to one of our beautiful sites this summer. If you have any questions, needs, or concerns, please let us know. We are here to serve.
Grace and Peace to you!
