A Different Kind of Summer

The Rev. Joshua Varner, Canon Missioner for Children and Youth

Way back a long time ago, in March, I remember wishing that by April things would be back to normal and we could forge ahead and hold our beloved Summer Camp at Honey Creek, just like always!  

But as we have learned more and more about this particular virus, including the need for social distancing, the current scarcity of safe and reliable testing, and about how dangerous the virus can be, it has become clear that we cannot safely hold summer camp the way it has always been. In order to get ready for camp to begin in early June we would need to know now that the capacity for testing would definitely be in place and that we would not need to maintain social distancing, to name just two things. Right now, we just can’t promise that.  

Therefore, we are announcing that the Diocese of Georgia will not hold any in-person camps in June 2020. In addition, if it is possible to meet in-person in July 2020, those sessions will look very different from any camp the Diocese of Georgia has ever offered. In the meantime, we are looking at what can be offered in virtual space to foster connections between campers and with Honey Creek. We are trying to think creatively, and hope that you will join us!  

As we move forward we will be asking for feedback from parents about what conditions would need to be in place, both in the outside world and at Honey Creek itself, to help them feel comfortable sending their children to camp. This survey will come out in multiple venues, so be on the lookout starting next week.  

Honey Creek and Diocesan staff will be in direct contact with families who have already registered their children for camp regarding refunds.   

Honey Creek holds a special place in the heart of this Diocese in part because it is a safe place for our children. This decision about camp has been made with that safety in mind. Please know that every current and former and future camper is in our prayers now and in the weeks and months to come. We are all “waiting with eager longing” (Romans 8:19) for the time when we can gather together in person.  

Please contact me at  jvarner@gaepiscopal.org with your questions.