Craig Springs
Craig Springs family,
We are actively planning for Craig Springs to be open for camps and retreats in the summer of 2021! We fervently believe in the importance of our camp experiences for youth and adults. We are committed to identifying safe ways to ensure we can open camp, but things will be different than years before as we all work together to remain healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
It is important to acknowledge that COVID-19 will not be completely eradicated by this summer. We will maintain full compliance with the Commonwealth of Virginia (www.virginia.gov), Virginia Department of Health (www.vdh.virginia.gov), and local health district guidelines for mitigation, and we are working on policies and procedures for participation to minimize risk while preserving the camp experience including:
· Diligent, multilayered non-pharmaceutical interventions (face coverings, health screenings, hygiene practices, physical distancing, sanitation) to combat the spread of COVID-19 during our events
· Maximizing our use of all outdoor spaces
· Limiting the participation capacity of events
There are many things we are currently unable to know for certain. Many of our adult leaders may have had access to vaccinations by their participation dates, however, most youth will not have access by this summer. Our plan to open Craig Springs assumes that restrictions on gatherings will be relaxed by June; Virginia is currently in Phase 3 which prohibits overnight camp opening. However, we are also actively exploring backup plans for ways to provide the camp experience if we are not able to be fully functional.
To be transparent and provide each of you and your families with the information you need to decide on your participation this summer, we will continue to frequently update you through our Craig Springs website, Region of Virginia website, camp social media accounts, listservs, and the Virginia Christian mailing as opening plans develop. If you have questions or concerns as we prepare for a safe camp opening, please do not hesitate to contact us.
In Christ,
Craig Springs opening plan working group
Ryan Wilkerson, Craig Springs Camp Minister & Manager
craigspringsryan@gmail.com; 817-368-2009
Janice Austin, Co-chair, Camp & Conference Ministry; Chair, Program and Events Task Group
jema2004@gmail.com; 540-320-4086
Mark Hodges, RN, Craig Springs Medical Coordinator
Sarah Trezza, PA-C, Program and Events Task Group member
Bill Spangler-Dunning, Regional Minister
bsdinvirginia@gmail.com; 434-846-3400
PRESS RELEASE REGARDING CANCELLATION OF ALL PHYSICAL CAMPS AT CRAIG SPRINGS CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER
From: The Camp and Conference Ministry of the Virginia Region
The Camp and Conference Ministry, after prayer and ongoing monitoring of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as listening to many voices in a "Townhall style" zoom gathering with many across the region, have decided that we will cancel all camps for this summer at Craig Springs. We make this decision with heavy hearts and fully acknowledge the grief that comes with this decision for both those who have had to make the decision, as well as those who will not be able to attend camp on the mountain this summer. Though there were many factors for this final decision, the main one comes down to the fact that we could not guarantee the safety of our campers or the loved ones who might be unknowingly infected as they returned home.
The leadership team of the C&CM has agreed that we will continue to monitor the reports from the CDC and the Governor's office. When they indicate that it is safe to return to gather again in larger groups, we will explore ways to gather either at Craig Springs or other locations across the Virginia Region. We live in uncertain times in which we do not know when we will come to the other side of this virus wilderness, however, we can make this decision and be ready to develop other ways to gather when we are informed that it is safe to do so.
We have also begun plans to create an online "Camp-like" experience in which campers will be able to gather with their friends through a virtual portal. In brief, this will allow campers to participate in activities with each other in the morning and afternoons and then gather for worship and campfire in the evenings. We know that this will not replace camp on the mountain but while we are in the wilderness, this will be our Manna (Exodus 16:31-32). There will be no cost to attend this virtual camp experience as it will be a gift to help get us all through these times. More information regarding this online camp portal will be forthcoming through the Virginia Christian, website, and the craigsprings.com website by June 1, 2020.
These are extremely different times in which we are living but the larger story of our faith reminds us that we are not alone as our God still goes ahead of us. Like those in the wilderness many generations ago, or our ancestors from only a generation or two ago, who chose to cancel camp gatherings during the flue of 1918, many are being asked to sacrifice things we thought would always stay the same. Please pray for each other and encourage campers to take advantage of the virtual camp experience and watch for updates for possible other gathering events in the future.
Blessings and Prayers
Exodus 16: 31-32
31 The house of Israel called it manna; it was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. 32 Moses said, 'This is what the Lord has commanded: "Let an omer of it be kept throughout your generations, in order that they may see the food with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt."'
Frequently Asked Questions Will be Posted Soon
Craig Springs Camp and Retreat Center
Craig Springs is a life-changing summer camp in the beautiful Allegheny Mountains of Virginia.
This overnight Christian camp for youth creates the opportunity to be in nature, escape from technology, create life-long friendships, and grow closer to God.
Craig Springs also has inexpensive cabins, lodges, and cottages available for rent from May-October. They are great for small group or large group getaways, family reunions, organization retreats, or a church group retreat!
We offer summer volunteer opportunities to work with campers as a counselor, nurse, musician, or craft director.
For more information click here!
Craig Springs Camp Histories
Reverend G. William “Bill” Foster wrote a history of Craig Springs from 1801 to 1960. It is 14 pages long with 15 pictures included. Permission was granted by his daughter, Myrna Foster Kuehn, to sell the history to benefit camp. The copies are $5.00 each and will benefit Nature Camp.
Brenda F. Kidd, of Bon Air CC, also wrote a seven-page history using Foster as one of her five sources. This history includes two pages of camp history since 1960. Brenda also gave permission for the sale of this history. No pictures are included and the copies are $3.00 each and will also benefit Nature Camp.
Contact Kathryn A. Whitlow, Property Ministry Chair, for more information or mail a check to 11811 Fairlington Lane
Midlothian, VA 23113 or email kwhitlow59@verizon.net