A note to our camp family
We don’t want to make this announcement. We want to announce something else. We want to write the one that talks about how excited we are to see campers on the campsite this summer, how thrilled we are with the staff that’s coming in a month or so, and how incredible the activities and events on the campsite this summer will be.
Instead we’re announcing that in the interest of health, safety, and a good camping experience, we are changing our onsite summer plans at Camp Eden.
We feel an obligation to our church groups and camper parents to do everything in our power to secure a safe experience for our campers at Camp Eden. Given the uncertainty of…well, everything…right now, we don’t feel we can make that commitment to our camper families. Also, almost anything we know we could do for camper safety would hinder the normal camper experience. Things that make camp work - creation, awayness, meditation, and people - are largely hindered by the measures needed to keep campers safe.
We teach 1 Peter 4:19 to our summer staff as a whole-Bible theology of suffering in one verse - “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” There’s so much we could unpack in that verse, but one important point regards how we respond to difficulty. Believers should commit themselves to doing what is right in troubled times. It’s the way we demonstrate that we are trusting our faithful Creator. At Camp Eden, we believe that putting the health and safety of our campers and staff first in this moment is what is right.
Pray for us during this time, that God would clearly continue directing our steps as we entrust ourselves to Him. Also, consider partnering with us to help us continue offering camping tools to churches in the future!
Check out the questions and answers below if you're intersted in more info.
Instead we’re announcing that in the interest of health, safety, and a good camping experience, we are changing our onsite summer plans at Camp Eden.
We feel an obligation to our church groups and camper parents to do everything in our power to secure a safe experience for our campers at Camp Eden. Given the uncertainty of…well, everything…right now, we don’t feel we can make that commitment to our camper families. Also, almost anything we know we could do for camper safety would hinder the normal camper experience. Things that make camp work - creation, awayness, meditation, and people - are largely hindered by the measures needed to keep campers safe.
We teach 1 Peter 4:19 to our summer staff as a whole-Bible theology of suffering in one verse - “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” There’s so much we could unpack in that verse, but one important point regards how we respond to difficulty. Believers should commit themselves to doing what is right in troubled times. It’s the way we demonstrate that we are trusting our faithful Creator. At Camp Eden, we believe that putting the health and safety of our campers and staff first in this moment is what is right.
Pray for us during this time, that God would clearly continue directing our steps as we entrust ourselves to Him. Also, consider partnering with us to help us continue offering camping tools to churches in the future!
Check out the questions and answers below if you're intersted in more info.
Will anything happen at Camp Eden this summer?
Of course! We don't just plan to sit aside and do nothing all summer. Check out the info below to see what's happening at Camp Eden during the summer of 2020.
While we won't have campers coming to the campsite, we will still have expenses like salaries, utilities, and work projects that need to be handled. We understand not everyone has money to spare right now, but if you're able, consider investing in camp's future.
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Large groups can't gather, but small ones can. We plan to work with small teams, from our church (Beth Eden Baptist Church) and others, to accomplish some projects we'd have a hard time doing otherwise. Our Work Days page will give you more info.
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State campgrounds are full, but you can social distance for a night or two at the Indian Peaks Campground! Spots for both RVs and tents are available for folks wanting to get away with responsible distancing in place. Reserve your spot today!
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While much of what makes camp special is unavailable right now, our goal is still to serve churches. We hope to provide some digital content for churches that will capture the spirit of Camp Eden and provide biblical instruction, much like campers receive at camp.
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Has anyone at Camp Eden contracted covid-19?
No. To the best of our knowledge, no staff members, campers, or guests have acquired COVID-19.
What led you to this decision?
As a camp staff, we've been closely monitoring the situation in our counties, the recommenedations of national and local health departments, legal counsel, and camping professionals across the country. As we said, camper safety was the number one concern on our mind. But close behind was the camper experience. After consulting with as many people as we could, and loads of prayer, we concluded that changing up plans was the right decision.
When will camps at Camp Eden begin again?
Currently, we are targeting the Labor Day weekend of 2020 to begin serving groups again. Lord willing, we will begin our Fall season with our tradtional Labor Day Camp for Beth Eden Baptist Church and go from there. We have openings for the fall season, if you're interested in a rental or custom camp still.
If I've registered for a summer camp, what do I need to do?
We tried to contact each of our families that are already registered. If we missed you, we're sorry! Please let us know.
You have three options for the money you've paid us for summer camp:
You have three options for the money you've paid us for summer camp:
- You can donate it to Camp Eden - This summer is going to be very hard for Camp Eden finacially. We've received some help, but we can use some more. If you can spare the money, we can make it a tax-deductible gift to camp.
- You can ask for a refund - We recognize that camp costs a lot and many have already sacrificed much to pay for summer camp. If having the money back would help your family, just let us know. We're happy to refund the full amount (including the $25 non-refundable registration fee).
- You can apply it to a future camp - If you merely want us to hold the money in reserve for next summer, or a future camp at Camp Eden, just let us know. Then, when you register for an event down the road, we will let you know you have a balance to use!