Dear GCCRC friends and families,
The Board of GCCRC met on March 18th to discuss how the recent and changing events related to the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting plans to open the camp this spring.
At the present time, the camp is closed to all guests and thankfully this has affected only one planned retreat booking. We are currently monitoring the situation and taking direction from the Quebec provincial government and the Quebec Camping Association (ACQ), our camp’s certification authority.
On Monday, March 16th, all ACQ members received communication from its Executive Director to close their camps immediately until further notice. We are complying with this directive.
As you can imagine, there are many questions to be answered and uncertainty about the specific implications for GCCRC which operates a number of varied and semi-independent camping services e.g. co-ed summer programs, individual and group retreats, private tent and wilderness camping, private rustic cabin accommodations and private seasonal trailer residential sites. Suffice it so say, determining if the provincial directive applies to all of these services is difficult in these early days. We are working on getting clarity as we move forward. We are also preparing contingency plans to maximize our ability to open and staff the camp this summer while ensuring the safety of all.
Based on the current information available and subject to further directives from our provincial authorities, we are targeting to have the camp open for Canada Day and to have summer staff begin to start work at camp on June 1st. At this time, no summer programs are being deferred or cancelled.
Camp Registration and Retreat Reservation Payments Deferred
We are deferring the requirement to make any payments for camp registrations or retreat bookings until further notice. Further, the early bird discount for summer camp registrations is extended until April 30th. There is more than enough stress and anxiety in your lives right now. Hopefully, this will allow you to make your summer plans with a little less stress and alleviate some of the uncertainty about registering for camp or booking one of our facilities or sites.
We’re in this together
These are stressful times, but we know the entire Gracefield community will continue to work together and support each other. It’s what we do and who we are as a Christian community.
We are paying close attention to the situation and reaching out to the entire camping community – within the Presbyterian Church in Canada, though our membership in the Presbyterian Church Camp & Conference Association, the Quebec Camping Association and though similar organizations and campgrounds in Quebec.
Thank You!
We will continue to provide updates through our website and social media when new information becomes available. And will communicate any specific decisions affecting campers, families, groups, and churches through direct or broadcast email (Mail Chimp). In the event of any cancellation of an event or program, we will correspond directly with those who are registered.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the office at info@gracefieldcamp.ca
Grace and peace,
Owen Mahaffy
Interim Managing Director