Camp Huron announced on Tuesday, May 18, that the camp will not run overnight programs this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
"Dear Campers, Staff, Families and Friends and Supporters of Camp Huron:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that we will not be running our overnight programs for children and youth for a second summer, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are so sorry and so very disappointed.
If you follow us on social media or visit our website, you will see posts about our hopes and plans to gather once again this summer. As a long-time member of the Ontario Camps Association, Camp Huron has benefited from the wisdom and expertise of camp professionals across the province and beyond, advocating for both financial support from the government and approval to safely operate overnight summer camps. The OCA campaign continues to ramp up – there are now daily posts, stories, interviews and writing campaigns over multiple communications platforms.
On Sunday May 16, Mr. Ford commented in an interview at a vaccination event that summer camps would be given approval for operation. From our perspective this was not an official announcement nor was it backed up with Public Health approved guidelines that need to be in place for this to happen.
It is however becoming clear to us that even if permission is formally granted, the changes to our predominantly week-long format with so many camp-wide activities like swims, campfires, clubs, games, and worship, not to mention eating together, will severely alter our relaxed atmosphere and homey sense of community.
Therefore, even if overnight camps for children and youth are given official permission to operate, Camp Huron now joins the increasing number of camps that will not.
The good news is that the site will not be closed!
Building upon last season’s Day Trips and Stayovers, we will once again welcome visitors to enjoy our beach, sit in shady spots for picnics, watch sunsets and marvel at the starry night sky. A much smaller staff will be employed to maintain the grounds, beautify the site, say prayers in our outdoor chapel, and safeguard our corner of God’s wondrous creation, as we tend the spark of camp spirit and fan the flames of a Christ-light that will shine in and around this holy place and guide us back to the camp programs we know and love next year, next year, next year.
Peace,
Gerry
Please keep watching for updates and do not hesitate to contact me for more information. gerryadam@diohuron.org contact@camphuron.ca 519-434-6893 ext 217"
The announcement comes with Bishop Todd Townshend's comment:
"Like many campers and our Camp Huron team, I am sad and deeply disappointed that we will not be able to hold camp again this year. Camp Huron is a beautiful, vital part of our diocesan ministry. My thanks go to Gerry Adam and the team as we work towards next summer when we pray it will be safe to have a camp full of kids and teens. If you have a chance to go to the camp for a day or overnight this summer, I urge you to experience this sacred place. Maybe I will see you there!"