A Message from the East Ohio Camps

Dear Campers, Staff members and Families! 

As a new year begins we hope you are safe and well. 

The East Ohio Camps leadership team has been praying, seeking counsel, and working diligently on what move to make about summer camp in 2021. After much prayer, consultation, and creative thinking we have decided to move forward with our plans for Summer Camp programs in 2021 at Aldersgate, Asbury and Wanake.

Summer 2021 registration begins online January 29, 2021. Our camp capacity will be reduced this summer due to COVID-19 recommendations. We suggest you register as soon as you are ready to save a spot. 

This summer, kids need the opportunity to be outside in God’s creation, connecting with each other in safe ways, building a relationship with God, and having fun. We firmly believe that camp and retreat ministry is one of the best ways to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We are excited to bring Summer Camp 2021 to life.

Camp leaders are adaptive. In light of COVID-19 we are ready to change the way we do things. We are working closely with recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health and with our local public health departments. We are diligently preparing a program that meets our vision of sharing God’s love and having fun, while managing the challenges that COVID-19 brings. We’ve been working on our communicable disease plans. We’ve modified camp activities and procedures. We’ve learned how to clean in ways that thoroughly disinfect our facilities and our camp equipment.

 For sure camp will look different this summer. We’ll be wearing masks when needed, sticking with our small groups, keeping our distance from each other, and minimizing activities that gather us in large groups. This summer our focus will be on people more than ever.  Keeping campers and staff safe is our highest priority. A distinct advantage to camp is that most activities can be outdoors.

We understand the challenges, stresses and decisions that families face right now are difficult. Your decision to send your child to camp or to not send your child to camp this summer will not be easy.

We don’t have all the answers at this moment, but we are moving forward. As there are changes before the summer gets here, we will keep you informed. It’s good news that right now effective vaccines are  being distributed. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

We are grateful for your continuing support. You have been generous with your gifts. We ask for your prayers for East Ohio Camp and Retreat Ministries. We will continue to pray for you and your families. In these hard times we can all depend on a God who is with us always and whose love is steadfast. Until we see you face to face, we pray God’s Peace and Blessings on you and your family!

We can’t wait to see you at Summer Camp 2021!

Rev. Gary Jones, Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries
Dan Bajc, Director of Camp Aldersgate
Rev. Bill Graham, Director of Camp Asbury
Julie Lautt, Director of Wanake Camp and Retreat Center
Rev. Beth Wildterdink, Chairperson of the Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries