Yesterday I woke up to -20 and sunny skies, this morning I woke up to a balmy -11 and snowing. I'm not sure I like either of those options. :) It's been a while since I've brought you an update and to say that things have changed since my last update would be a gross understatement! Like you, we are experiencing many challenges as we navigate through this new "normal." For me personally, I want to know when is this going to end? When are things going to go back to "normal"? When can I buy TP without people thinking I'm hoarding! As we listen to the news, the forecast from a world's perspective is not that bright. From what I'm reading and hearing, I believe that COVID-19 will effect our daily life longer than shorter. And yet we serve a risen Lord, who is rock solid, and did not wake up this morning surprised at the state His world is in! Amen? Amen!
While it is true that COVID-19 has brought with it many (many) challenges, it has also brought with it many opportunities. Please pray for us as a camp that as we navigate through the next several months, we will be sensitive to the Lord's leading to make use of our time, and to seek new ways in which we can see lives transformed by the power of Jesus!
What's currently happening at Camp Evergreen? Like most other camps in Alberta, and across Canada, we have lost all our spring revenue due to guest groups cancelling. While the good news is we're saving money on groceries, and utilities, we still have to feed our staff and keep some of our lights on and buildings warm. (-20 yesterday doesn't help!) For reference last year between March 1 and April 3 we brought in $28,676 in revenue compared to $0 this year. While that in itself doesn't sound too bad, our projected income loss from March to the end of June will be about $270,000. So while it's true that our current expenses are down compared to last year, we are still not able to keep up, and have given all our staff lay off notice.
Many of you know that we have launched (reminds me of a Mennonite joke about Mennonites working at NASA and stopping for lunch every time they said launch...) Evergreen to Go. We are selling meal packages and delivering them to our supporters who live within an hour from camp. The exciting part is that for every 30 meals that we sell, we are giving away 15 meals through our local ministerial here in Sundre. We are also looking into ways that we can connect with and bless our immediate neighbours. Our seasonal staff are also working on connecting with our campers via phone and social media. There is no shortage of ideas for sure - picture Yodel and Hum coming right into your living room or a Zoom scavenger hunt!
What about summer camp? Like you we find ourselves asking that question almost every day. Quite simply what we can or cannot do in summer will be dictated to us by Alberta Health and the province of Alberta. At this point we are planning on running summer camp and are continuing to prepare. We are also planning on what summer camp could look like under different scenarios. I believe firmly that we will have ministry this summer, I also believe that it will look different than last summer.
Reaching Higher continues to move ahead - albeit a little slower. We want to continue with our water licensing as well as continuing to work with the Alberta Environment on our waste water system. However the actual construction on site that was scheduled for mid April has been postponed, as well as any other lodge work, until September at which time we will reevaluate.
How can you help? One would think the obvious answer would be to help us financially if possible. And while that is important for sure, we covet even more your prayers. Pray for the staff who are currently on site. We are severely limiting our contact with the outside world and I would ask you to pray with us that COVID-19 would not make it's way onto our 480 acres. Pray for us as a staff as we continue to live together, as we continue to work together that God would give us an extra measure of grace. While it is true we have a little more "elbow" space than the regular family, we still need to live with each other.
And of course if you can help us financially that would be greatly appreciated.
As we move forward together let's all be looking for new opportunities to "tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done." Ps 78:4
Thanks again for your continued support.
Bob "Ranger" Kroeker
Executive Director
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