Well, what an interesting four weeks it has been. While the world wrestles with the new temporary normal of life with COVID-19, many of us in the southeast (my family included) are now dealing with tornado recovery after the Easter storms. So this may not be as all-encompassing an update as we would have liked, but as promised, here’s the April 16th update.
Vineyard USA Canceled Its Events – Does That Include Camp?
As you may have seen, Vineyard USA officially announced that all Vineyard USA-sponsored events are canceled through the end of 2020. Camp Vineyard has been and remains a local church event organized by Ekklesia – A Vineyard Church. As such, Camp Vineyard is not automatically included in the list of canceled events.
As we understand it, Vineyard USA’s decision stemmed from the complex variety of events and the resources required from local churches to accomplish those events. Camp is structured in a more agile way: while it is itself a very complex event, our systems (up until the actual week of Camp) are built on remote work. Furthermore, our fixed programming costs each year are fairly minimal, and we have an extensive library and inventory of games and supplies on hand. Our 12-year relationship with Woodland Camp is another strength as we navigate this decision – their generosity and flexibility are a huge benefit. All of these allow us to make a considered, careful final decision on a different timeline than Vineyard USA had to make theirs.
It’s April 16th: Do You Have a Final Word about Camp?
In short, no final decision has been reached. We are continuing to stay informed of the situation nationally and locally regarding COVID-19, and we are continuing to discuss with Woodland Camp regarding their plans. Based on conversations with them, we are expecting to be able to make a final call on Camp on May 5th. Expect an update via blog and email that day.
What About the Waitlist?
Right now, we will not be moving anyone off of the waitlist until we have made that final decision.
Even if Camp Goes Ahead, I Need to Cancel For Financial Reasons.
That’s fine. We understand that people’s job situations have changed drastically in recent weeks. Please let us know ASAP and we can start processing your cancellation. You’ll receive a full refund of any monies you paid Camp Vineyard directly, and you will need to contact your local church for a refund if you paid them.
If you are on the waitlist and need to cancel, please let us know as well.
Could Camp be Rescheduled?
Almost certainly not. One of the downsides of how Camp is structured is that there are no full-time staff. In order to make it happen, our staff takes vacation time from their day jobs (often without pay). On top of that, the 60+ other adults we need to serve as Color Team Counselors and various Clear Team members and Neat! Group leaders are in the same situation.
It’s not to say there’s no chance to push it later into the summer, but it becomes exponentially more difficult to do so, and we do not expect that to be a realistic option.
What Happens If You Cancel Camp This Year?
If we have to cancel Camp Vineyard this year, we will be issuing full refunds of all amounts paid directly to Camp Vineyard. We won’t be holding back any registration or credit card processing fees that ACTIVE charges us, you’ll receive your full deposits back. Thanks to the generosity of some sponsoring churches and the southeast region of the Vineyard, we’re going to be able to cover those expenses, and we are deeply thankful for their gifts.
That would let us start with a clean slate for 2021. We truly hope it won’t come to that, but that’s the simplest and best option if we do have to cancel this year.
Now, that’s not to say that nothing will happen during what would be the week of Camp. We’ve been thinking about a few different ways to make that week special, even if we can’t all be together. More news to come on that later, if we need it.
Next Update: May 5th
Be praying. That’s really it. Stay well, follow good sense, and be praying. (Pretty sure that’s a decent summary of at least one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, too.) We’ll be back with another update via blog, email, and social media on May 5th. If you have questions in the meantime, email us at info@campvineyard.com.