Dear GCCRC friends and families,

Since our last update at the end of March, lots has been happening behind the scenes. We have been closely monitoring the pandemic restrictions imposed by the Quebec government as well as liaising with other Presbyterian Camps and youth camps across Canada. We have also been making preparations to open the camp and hit the ground running. We are now beginning to see the lessening of restrictions across Canada and remain ever-hopeful.

We are committed to opening the camp and running summer programs as soon as possible once we receive provincial authorization.

This means we are expecting the best while planning for…something less optimal. We are proceeding with hiring essential staff and beginning contingency planning for running full programs or something modified in terms of content, timing and/or location. We believe it is too soon to declare July and August lost months – that’s still two months away!

We also believe that providing Christian community, quality programming and beautiful outdoor and wilderness experiences are more important than ever.

Should we need to readjust our plans, we will be looking for opportunities to engage and gather friends and families at the camp in safe and appropriate ways at the appropriate time.

We truly appreciate your support and patience and want you to know that we are working hard to understand and prepare for modified procedures for safety, disinfection and physical distancing.

We are all called to be good stewards

As the timeline to get the camp open and ready for the summer season begins to shrink, we will need to rely more heavily on volunteers to help out. Once we know more about the timing and provincial directives regarding opening and operating the camp, we will be putting out the call for an ‘army’ of volunteers to take up the charge. Everyone has something to contribute. Besides, nothing is better than working in community to fulfill God’s plan for the camp!

During this period of uncertainty, we understand that some may feel the need for more time away and to cancel their bookings. However, retreat and lodge bookings are by far the camp’s largest source of income and we hope you consider options to reschedule your booking to another date. If this is not possible, converting a portion of your payment to a tax-deductible donation would help the camp weather this financial storm.

We are all part of the Gracefield community and each of us has a part to play in ensuring this important ministry can continue.

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