2021 Updates
FALL 2021 - Updates & What's Up
WOW - can you believe we are into October and are moving quickly towards the winter?! It is amazing to look back and see what has happened since we were last in touch. (Yes - we know it has been almost a year since we had an update, but...think of all the cool news we have! Keep reading...)
Last fall and winter Camp was unable to run weekend rentals or a fall celebration dinner. We were submitting plans for an updated septic system. With our 'S'mores' video we were so amazed as the community of supporters rallied to give Camp a strong financial finish to a very difficult 2020 year.
The spring lockdown limited us but we were able to run Timothy Training, and then Day Camp as we entered into stage 2 & stage 3 of reopening. This allowance was late in the spring, forcing us to modify our summer camp dates and registration numbers. Still, we were able to have more than 500 campers this summer over 3 sessions, and to run Youth Camp at half capacity. IT WAS ALL FANTASTIC! We all needed Camp: campers, counsellors, students, teachers, neighbors, bus-drivers....it was a much needed time of fun and friendship and faith!
This brings us into fall 2021 and we are looking at some major renovation needs: landscaping, manor roof, ongoing septic testing for approvals. We are excited to have youth groups booking weekend retreats again. We are continuing to have summer mission staff events. There is a "craft & thrift market" Saturday October 23rd and our Celebration Dinner, Saturday November 27th. (see below for info) We are so excited for what God is doing and how he has continued to provide for CBC!
WOW - can you believe we are into October and are moving quickly towards the winter?! It is amazing to look back and see what has happened since we were last in touch. (Yes - we know it has been almost a year since we had an update, but...think of all the cool news we have! Keep reading...)
Last fall and winter Camp was unable to run weekend rentals or a fall celebration dinner. We were submitting plans for an updated septic system. With our 'S'mores' video we were so amazed as the community of supporters rallied to give Camp a strong financial finish to a very difficult 2020 year.
The spring lockdown limited us but we were able to run Timothy Training, and then Day Camp as we entered into stage 2 & stage 3 of reopening. This allowance was late in the spring, forcing us to modify our summer camp dates and registration numbers. Still, we were able to have more than 500 campers this summer over 3 sessions, and to run Youth Camp at half capacity. IT WAS ALL FANTASTIC! We all needed Camp: campers, counsellors, students, teachers, neighbors, bus-drivers....it was a much needed time of fun and friendship and faith!
This brings us into fall 2021 and we are looking at some major renovation needs: landscaping, manor roof, ongoing septic testing for approvals. We are excited to have youth groups booking weekend retreats again. We are continuing to have summer mission staff events. There is a "craft & thrift market" Saturday October 23rd and our Celebration Dinner, Saturday November 27th. (see below for info) We are so excited for what God is doing and how he has continued to provide for CBC!
June 8 Update
We are so excited to announce that we have been given the go ahead for Day Camp and Youth Camp for summer 2021! There are many changes to this upcoming season, some of which we will detail below, but we are very happy that we can be reunited at CBC this year.
REGISTRATION
We have to make some large changes to camp this year, which has forced us to do a new registration. We will open registration on Saturday, June 12 at 9:00am. If you are currently registered, your session will be cancelled and you do need to register again. However, your household will be there, any forms you filled out will remain, and payments made will be automatically shifted to new registration.
Changes to registration:
This summer there will not be any interest activities to select (due to COVID restrictions, the way we do interest activities this year will be different and as such there is no sign up for them). We will be maintaining children in a pod of up to 20 campers with their counsellors. You will need to sign up your camper as: a Junior (ages 7-8-9), a Senior (ages 10-11), or as TnT (12-13-14). Please select a t-shirt size. Friend requests can be made, and we will try our best to match these up, but have grace if we are not able to honour every request.
The last selection for you to make is the bus stop. Seating is limited, so be sure you choose a stop that is best for your family. Areas of collection and weeks of camp have changed, so we strongly suggest you pick the Session (A, B, or C this summer) that is best for your family. We are required to, and we will, assign seating after registration. We will email you your child's seat on the bus. Changes will be restricted. Masks are required on the buses.
Please note that a deposit is required upon registering, with the full amount due 2 weeks before the session start. Cancellation will result in loss of deposit.
COVID Regulations and Changes
- masks required for each child
- campers MUST bring a water bottle, as there will be no access to drinking fountain, only a bottle filling station
- backpacks will not be kept in changerooms this year, but will mostly travel with age groups. Please consider a smaller bag or one that is easier to transport regularly
- MANDATORY screening needs to be done each day before your camper leaves home. This is the same as what you had for school
- please DO NOT send a camper to camp that is feeling sick or ill. There will not be opportunity to sit in nurse's station for extended time. You will be contacted to pick up your camper.
- campers will be in cohorts of 20 or less as per Public Health guidelines. Increased cleaning of shared equipment and indoor spaces will occur between cohort uses.
- as of right now, rain days or extreme weather days will result in the day being cancelled, and there will not be a refund for the day
- masks are required during the camp day as well. We are working with Public Health to determine when the kids won't have to wear them, and will do our best to give the campers as much time in the day without masks on as possible. Hopefully they will only need to wear them during limited indoor times.
Changes may occur, as protocols and requirements change over the summer weeks. We are working with our local Public Health Unit to ensure we can have as safe and fun an environment as possible. If you have concerns or choose to wait a summer, we understand. Please reach out to us.
Linked below is the Ontario Day Camp Regulations if you want to read the primary source of our guidance or if you have questions and concerns regarding COVID protocol. Also linked is the screening form.
https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/2019_summer_day_camps_guidance.pdf
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
We are so excited to announce that we have been given the go ahead for Day Camp and Youth Camp for summer 2021! There are many changes to this upcoming season, some of which we will detail below, but we are very happy that we can be reunited at CBC this year.
REGISTRATION
We have to make some large changes to camp this year, which has forced us to do a new registration. We will open registration on Saturday, June 12 at 9:00am. If you are currently registered, your session will be cancelled and you do need to register again. However, your household will be there, any forms you filled out will remain, and payments made will be automatically shifted to new registration.
Changes to registration:
This summer there will not be any interest activities to select (due to COVID restrictions, the way we do interest activities this year will be different and as such there is no sign up for them). We will be maintaining children in a pod of up to 20 campers with their counsellors. You will need to sign up your camper as: a Junior (ages 7-8-9), a Senior (ages 10-11), or as TnT (12-13-14). Please select a t-shirt size. Friend requests can be made, and we will try our best to match these up, but have grace if we are not able to honour every request.
The last selection for you to make is the bus stop. Seating is limited, so be sure you choose a stop that is best for your family. Areas of collection and weeks of camp have changed, so we strongly suggest you pick the Session (A, B, or C this summer) that is best for your family. We are required to, and we will, assign seating after registration. We will email you your child's seat on the bus. Changes will be restricted. Masks are required on the buses.
Please note that a deposit is required upon registering, with the full amount due 2 weeks before the session start. Cancellation will result in loss of deposit.
COVID Regulations and Changes
- masks required for each child
- campers MUST bring a water bottle, as there will be no access to drinking fountain, only a bottle filling station
- backpacks will not be kept in changerooms this year, but will mostly travel with age groups. Please consider a smaller bag or one that is easier to transport regularly
- MANDATORY screening needs to be done each day before your camper leaves home. This is the same as what you had for school
- please DO NOT send a camper to camp that is feeling sick or ill. There will not be opportunity to sit in nurse's station for extended time. You will be contacted to pick up your camper.
- campers will be in cohorts of 20 or less as per Public Health guidelines. Increased cleaning of shared equipment and indoor spaces will occur between cohort uses.
- as of right now, rain days or extreme weather days will result in the day being cancelled, and there will not be a refund for the day
- masks are required during the camp day as well. We are working with Public Health to determine when the kids won't have to wear them, and will do our best to give the campers as much time in the day without masks on as possible. Hopefully they will only need to wear them during limited indoor times.
Changes may occur, as protocols and requirements change over the summer weeks. We are working with our local Public Health Unit to ensure we can have as safe and fun an environment as possible. If you have concerns or choose to wait a summer, we understand. Please reach out to us.
Linked below is the Ontario Day Camp Regulations if you want to read the primary source of our guidance or if you have questions and concerns regarding COVID protocol. Also linked is the screening form.
https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/2019_summer_day_camps_guidance.pdf
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
May 28 Update
With Doug Ford’s recent announcement about the potential of summer camps opening up, Conestoga Bible Camp has received numerous inquiries about CBC’s summer plans.
Although it looks promising that some form of camp may be possible, Conestoga Bible Camp is waiting on further guidance from the Ontario government that will provide clarity to the actual rules and regulations governing day and overnight camps.
Once we have clear guidance and regulations announced by government, Conestoga Bible Camp will be making decisions on how and when we can operate camp.
Originally, camp fees were due on May 31. Due to the policy delays, CBC is extending the fee registration due date to June 30, 2021. As the summer season inches closer, CBC will continue to provide more info on what camp will look like and when we can operate.
Hang in there, talk to you soon,
Terry Ruegg (aka Shrek)
With Doug Ford’s recent announcement about the potential of summer camps opening up, Conestoga Bible Camp has received numerous inquiries about CBC’s summer plans.
Although it looks promising that some form of camp may be possible, Conestoga Bible Camp is waiting on further guidance from the Ontario government that will provide clarity to the actual rules and regulations governing day and overnight camps.
Once we have clear guidance and regulations announced by government, Conestoga Bible Camp will be making decisions on how and when we can operate camp.
Originally, camp fees were due on May 31. Due to the policy delays, CBC is extending the fee registration due date to June 30, 2021. As the summer season inches closer, CBC will continue to provide more info on what camp will look like and when we can operate.
Hang in there, talk to you soon,
Terry Ruegg (aka Shrek)
2020 Updates
Cancellation Notice – Conestoga Bible Camp 2020
A rainy day at camp changes the programming entirely – but only for one day. Unfortunately, as we all know, COVID-19 is not as simple as planning for a rainy day.
In accordance with the Government of Ontario’s announcement on May 19
cancelling all overnight camps for the summer of 2020, Conestoga Bible Camp has
officially cancelled all 2020 programming, including Day Camp and Youth Camp.
cancelling all overnight camps for the summer of 2020, Conestoga Bible Camp has
officially cancelled all 2020 programming, including Day Camp and Youth Camp.
Although Conestoga Bible Camp is technically a day camp, operating successfully requires overnight accommodations and meals for up to seventy staff per week. This is no longer possible and retooling the program has proven incompatible considering the potential health risks to both campers and staff.
In light of this new reality, below are questions and answers to some of the most prevalent concerns:
Q. Will my registration fees be refunded?
A. Yes. We know that the program you paid for is not possible this year, and thus Conestoga Bible Camp is planning to refund any payments you have already made when you registered.
Q. What do I need to do to get my refund?
A. Nothing. Your refund will be processed automatically using the same credit card used to register. Unfortunately, there is no way to process all 1,000 registrations at once. We ask for your patience as we begin the refund process on June 8th.
Q. Can I donate some or all of my registration fees?
A. Yes. COVID-19 has impacted us all and Conestoga Bible Camp is no different. With the loss of our main revenue source, Conestoga Bible Camp is facing significant financial hardships. Already many families have told us they want to see camp survive and have donated a portion of their registration fees. If you would like to support Conestoga Bible Camp in the same way, we would be grateful for your help.
To donate $50, $100 or your full fees, simply email us at refunds@conestogabiblecamp.org. We will deduct the donation from your refund and issue a charitable receipt.
Thank you everyone, for your patience as we continue to sort out next steps. We are fully trusting in our faithful God to lay out a clear path for Conestoga Bible Camp. Our hope is strong and our God is mighty. Although we cannot see the future, we can all rest knowing that our hope is in the one who saves us.
As the summer progresses, we will be sending out updates to keep you informed about camp.
Looking forward to serving your children and families, and never complaining about a rainy day again,
Terry Ruegg, Executive Director, on behalf of the Conestoga Bible Camp Board of Directors.
In light of this new reality, below are questions and answers to some of the most prevalent concerns:
Q. Will my registration fees be refunded?
A. Yes. We know that the program you paid for is not possible this year, and thus Conestoga Bible Camp is planning to refund any payments you have already made when you registered.
Q. What do I need to do to get my refund?
A. Nothing. Your refund will be processed automatically using the same credit card used to register. Unfortunately, there is no way to process all 1,000 registrations at once. We ask for your patience as we begin the refund process on June 8th.
Q. Can I donate some or all of my registration fees?
A. Yes. COVID-19 has impacted us all and Conestoga Bible Camp is no different. With the loss of our main revenue source, Conestoga Bible Camp is facing significant financial hardships. Already many families have told us they want to see camp survive and have donated a portion of their registration fees. If you would like to support Conestoga Bible Camp in the same way, we would be grateful for your help.
To donate $50, $100 or your full fees, simply email us at refunds@conestogabiblecamp.org. We will deduct the donation from your refund and issue a charitable receipt.
Thank you everyone, for your patience as we continue to sort out next steps. We are fully trusting in our faithful God to lay out a clear path for Conestoga Bible Camp. Our hope is strong and our God is mighty. Although we cannot see the future, we can all rest knowing that our hope is in the one who saves us.
As the summer progresses, we will be sending out updates to keep you informed about camp.
Looking forward to serving your children and families, and never complaining about a rainy day again,
Terry Ruegg, Executive Director, on behalf of the Conestoga Bible Camp Board of Directors.
MAY 21 UPDATE
The sun and warm weather are finally here and have us all dreaming about better days: summer and Camp, and all the fun things we love to do in the warm weather! Only this year continues to be very different from all we have ever known. School is now cancelled until at least September, many of our favorite winter and spring activities are not running, and now summer activities are also being affected.
The Ontario government has announced that overnight camps are cancelled for the summer but have deferred offering any guidance for day camps. Many of you are asking where that leaves Conestoga Bible Camp. While we are predominantly a day camp, we are also an overnight camp during Youth Camp and throughout the summer when we feed and house our summer Missionary Staff. This has always been a strength of CBC, but this year it creates some very large challenges.
What does it all mean? The short answer: we are still not sure. The May 19 provincial government announcement offered few details, and mostly hopes that things will improve by July 1. We don't know what the standards will be, who will be setting them or who will be measuring them. Will we have buses for transportation? What limits will be applied to group sizes? What about programming restrictions on the use of pools, boats, and sports equipment? There are so many questions and there are no simple answers.
Above all, we want Camp to be both FUN and SAFE and to advance our mission to Make, Mold and Move Disciples of Jesus Christ. We continue to pray for the Campers and the Staff. (The Staff are as excited as the Campers to be here!) We will communicate with you as soon as we know what our plans are. We asked that you give us until June 1st to let you know. Your patience in this is greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your continued support! Thank you to those that have donated, sent encouragement, and who pray for Conestoga Bible Camp: It is amazing to serve you and your children, and to be part of this fantastic community linked together through Camp.
Terry Ruegg
The sun and warm weather are finally here and have us all dreaming about better days: summer and Camp, and all the fun things we love to do in the warm weather! Only this year continues to be very different from all we have ever known. School is now cancelled until at least September, many of our favorite winter and spring activities are not running, and now summer activities are also being affected.
The Ontario government has announced that overnight camps are cancelled for the summer but have deferred offering any guidance for day camps. Many of you are asking where that leaves Conestoga Bible Camp. While we are predominantly a day camp, we are also an overnight camp during Youth Camp and throughout the summer when we feed and house our summer Missionary Staff. This has always been a strength of CBC, but this year it creates some very large challenges.
What does it all mean? The short answer: we are still not sure. The May 19 provincial government announcement offered few details, and mostly hopes that things will improve by July 1. We don't know what the standards will be, who will be setting them or who will be measuring them. Will we have buses for transportation? What limits will be applied to group sizes? What about programming restrictions on the use of pools, boats, and sports equipment? There are so many questions and there are no simple answers.
Above all, we want Camp to be both FUN and SAFE and to advance our mission to Make, Mold and Move Disciples of Jesus Christ. We continue to pray for the Campers and the Staff. (The Staff are as excited as the Campers to be here!) We will communicate with you as soon as we know what our plans are. We asked that you give us until June 1st to let you know. Your patience in this is greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your continued support! Thank you to those that have donated, sent encouragement, and who pray for Conestoga Bible Camp: It is amazing to serve you and your children, and to be part of this fantastic community linked together through Camp.
Terry Ruegg
APRIL UPDATE
“…but what about Camp?”
As the sunshine returns and our thoughts begin to drift towards Easter, new life, and summer dreaming, we thought it best to reach out you about summer camp and the difficult times we are all facing regarding COVID-19.
We have all seen so much rapid change in the last few weeks, with new announcements daily. Much of this has been for our own good, but also out of our control. It is showing us that our lives are truly in the hands of God — beautiful, fragile and glorious — like spring flowers. Our hope pushes through like a daffodil in the snow or robins building nests in the face of a spring rain storm!
Here at Conestoga Bible Camp (CBC) we have been asked often the last few weeks, “What is happening with Camp this summer?”, or “What will happen to Camp?”. As things sit today, March 31st, we are unsure how to answer these questions. Plans are continuing as normal, preparing the summer theme, activities, bible lessons and staff training. We are continuously monitoring the situation and making decisions, just as you are – one day at a time.
Currently, Conestoga Bible Camp is hoping and planning to operate camp as usual this summer. However, at the same time, we are realistically looking at alternatives should our normal scheduling not be feasible. As the COVID-19 situation unfolds before us all, we ask for your flexibility in what summer camp could end up looking like. Changes may be required in schedule or program delivery.
There will be many of us that will struggle financially through this crisis. We are also expecting CBC to be negatively impacted financially. Yet we also know that we have the promise of Easter. Hope in the storm. The LORD is on our side.
We are asking you to also to pray with us as we seek the Kingdom of God in all that is going on. Pray for those that are able to work, but are at risk in doing so. Pray for those that are unable to work or go to school. Pray for hope in this time of fear and loss. Pray that people would know Easter in their lives – new Life, a promise of hope from Him who cares for the flowers and the birds. If He cares for them, then He clearly knows our plans, fears and what is best. (Matthew 6:26-34)
Camp will be in touch again soon. As things develop, we will adjust and let you know. Should you have any questions, concerns, or encouragements to share, please reach out to us. Email and phone calls are appreciated. Enjoy the springtime — the flowers blooming and birds returning. Happy Easter from Conestoga Bible Camp.
Terry Ruegg (aka Shrek)
“…but what about Camp?”
As the sunshine returns and our thoughts begin to drift towards Easter, new life, and summer dreaming, we thought it best to reach out you about summer camp and the difficult times we are all facing regarding COVID-19.
We have all seen so much rapid change in the last few weeks, with new announcements daily. Much of this has been for our own good, but also out of our control. It is showing us that our lives are truly in the hands of God — beautiful, fragile and glorious — like spring flowers. Our hope pushes through like a daffodil in the snow or robins building nests in the face of a spring rain storm!
Here at Conestoga Bible Camp (CBC) we have been asked often the last few weeks, “What is happening with Camp this summer?”, or “What will happen to Camp?”. As things sit today, March 31st, we are unsure how to answer these questions. Plans are continuing as normal, preparing the summer theme, activities, bible lessons and staff training. We are continuously monitoring the situation and making decisions, just as you are – one day at a time.
Currently, Conestoga Bible Camp is hoping and planning to operate camp as usual this summer. However, at the same time, we are realistically looking at alternatives should our normal scheduling not be feasible. As the COVID-19 situation unfolds before us all, we ask for your flexibility in what summer camp could end up looking like. Changes may be required in schedule or program delivery.
There will be many of us that will struggle financially through this crisis. We are also expecting CBC to be negatively impacted financially. Yet we also know that we have the promise of Easter. Hope in the storm. The LORD is on our side.
We are asking you to also to pray with us as we seek the Kingdom of God in all that is going on. Pray for those that are able to work, but are at risk in doing so. Pray for those that are unable to work or go to school. Pray for hope in this time of fear and loss. Pray that people would know Easter in their lives – new Life, a promise of hope from Him who cares for the flowers and the birds. If He cares for them, then He clearly knows our plans, fears and what is best. (Matthew 6:26-34)
Camp will be in touch again soon. As things develop, we will adjust and let you know. Should you have any questions, concerns, or encouragements to share, please reach out to us. Email and phone calls are appreciated. Enjoy the springtime — the flowers blooming and birds returning. Happy Easter from Conestoga Bible Camp.
Terry Ruegg (aka Shrek)
