We want to keep you informed as we develop our operating plans for Summer 2020. I know this message finds you walking through some of the change and uncertainty we are walking in and I want to assure you our hearts are with you. The COVID-19 disruption stopped normal everyday life, but it did not stop many of the real-life challenges kids face every day. In some situations the disruption has made the battle more intense. It has always been our passion to fight for the hearts of children in this generation. The battle for a strong identity in Christ has never been more important, as so many things we lean on have been removed. We are passionate about the need for Camp, which shapes future generations! Our passion is being refined by these challenging times and we are praying for you and your family daily. 

I couldn’t be more encouraged by the agility and focus of the Camp Highland team. The work of restructuring summer camp has been without boundaries and the stakes are high! Like the rest of the country, we are paying attention to the phased approach the government has adopted to reopen the country and Georgia, specifically. Although Georgia has begun the process of reopening, there is still a great deal of uncertainty. While the standards are becoming clearer, they are literally developing in real time! Our greatest concern is for the safety of your camper, your family, and our team. What we do know is the work that will be necessary to restructure camp, train staff on additional safety measures, and source the needed supplies will be extensive. Because of this, we are delaying the start of Camp until June 15th to ensure that both our staff and facilities are ready to serve your family in a responsible and intentional way. 

The week of the 4th of July will now be an open week of Overnight Camp: Week 5. Over the week of July 4th Camp will operate a Monday- Friday schedule so that we do not interfere with family plans on Saturday, July 4th. This week is normally a break, but we are creating a new session in order to accommodate campers that will be affected by our delayed opening.

The body of work that is going into making camp a safe place would be too lengthy for this space but here are a few notable changes. 

1. We will not have off-site trips that require the use of contractors or contact with any non-camp staff. 
2. We will no longer be offering the bus transportation from Alpharetta. 
3. Our team is working out logistics for a greatly revised drop-off and pick-up process that may require parents to remain in their cars and a live-stream of the opening ceremony. Be aware that these plans could be revised as the summer progresses.
4. There will be a new check-in screening form for you to attest to your camper’s health. Each camper will affirm they are not presenting any symptoms of Covid-19, as defined by the CDC. We will also ask that every family disclose if your camper, or anyone living with your camper has had Covid-19 or Covid-19 symptoms. Campers presenting with a fever at any time during check-in or during the camp week will be placed into a safety protocol and arrangements made for transportation home.
5. We have instituted rotations of sanitization for facilities and equipment in order to adhere to the highest standards of cleanliness.
6. We have also greatly revised our food service process to a carry-out model.

So many have asked about how the disruption will impact the health of Camp Highland. The disruption will have financial implications for Camp Highland, but we are unclear to what degree. With the cancellation of all spring programs and possible cancellations of summer campers, our estimate is that we’ll have a deficit of at least $280,000, but it could be as much as $700,000. Camp Highland has been in a solid financial position coming into the pandemic, but losses on the greater end of the spectrum will compromise our ability to absorb challenges in the future. We have created a Relief Fund for families to help us resolve the deficit created by the losses this spring and any cancellations from the summer.

We are hopeful this summer will be filled with surprisingly rich moments, but we are already finding a richness in gratitude! We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of prayer, love and support from the Camp Highland Family. There is a great deal more to say but possibly the greatest would be a very simple, Thank you!

In it with you, 
Bill