Summer Camp Update

Camp Au Sable provides an update regarding this year's summer camp season. The hope is to move forward with an adjusted program and schedule. 

Many of you are aware that the state of Michigan has extended the stay-at-home order to May 15. The uncertainty of the economy and when things might return to normalcy have many asking about this year’s summer season at Camp Au Sable.   

The Michigan Conference leadership and the Camp Au Sable staff are praying that God will keep the doors open for us to continue forward with camp, especially for our young people that have been eagerly anticipating the summer activities. 

After assessing the situation, we have decided to adjust our summer schedule, also recognizing that future state or federal directives could alter or negate our plans in the days ahead.

Our Adjusted Camp Schedule Is As Follows:

• June 21: Staff Certification begins

• June 28: Staff Orientation begins

• July 5 thru 12: Youth Camp 1 (*Ages 8-11)

• July 12 thru 19: Youth Camp 2 (*Ages 10-14)

• July 19 thru 26: Youth Camp 3 (*Ages 12-15)

• July 26 thru Aug 2: Youth Camp 4 (*Ages 13-17)

New Registration Dates & Instructions (all registrants must re-submit application):

1. All campers currently registered under the old schedule will be given a credit, and should re-register beginning May 11.  If the listed dates are not workable, you are entitled to a full refund, or you may reserve your credit for the summer of 2021 and lock down the 2020 price.

2. All new campers that would like to register for the new dates can make their reservations beginning May 13. A down payment will not be necessary at this time due to the uncertainty of future government measures and credit card fees. Payment will be expected one week prior to your camp’s start date.

* The adjusted age groupings are designed to provide expanded options and to provide ways for multiple siblings and their friends to attend together.

It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to cancel all family camps for 2020. Listed below is the thought process behind the decision.

1. We are hearing from many registered families that finances are tight, that vacation time has been used up, and many are regretfully cancelling their reservations;

2. Concern for our older, more vulnerable population;

3. Families have been together for months now, and many understand that our young people depend on the Christian environment and fellowship with their peers;

4. There are many young people that are unable to attend family camp that would attend Youth Camp with the opportunity to grow their faith in Jesus;

5. It’s fairer to all if family camp is cancelled across the board, instead of singling out one or several of the week-long family camps. Deciding who attends this year, which families get prime lodging and classes, and determining the registration process were just few of the challenges that could potentially do more harm than good.

Beginning Monday, May 4, all the family camp reservations will be cancelled. Registrants will receive a full refund (transactions may take some time to process). Praise God that Camp Au Sable is not a business. Instead, it’s a ministry that we collectively own.

Due to the pandemic, there is a shortage of funding for Camp Au Sable. If you are able to make a donation to assist with expenses, it would be greatly appreciated as we seek to minister to our members and guests. 

What an awesome thought to know that once Jesus returns, our next family camp will be in heaven. Our prayer is that we can experience this reality soon, with no member missing. Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Pastor Ken Micheff

Camp Au Sable Director/Manager