Health & Safety Practices – Coronavirus, COVID-19
Temporary Suspension of Services
March 17, 2020
Based on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) guidance for large events and gatherings and the State of Michigan’s temporary shut-down of dine-in service at food and beverage establishments, Michigan Area United Methodist Camping is suspending operations at our retreat and camp facilities at least until April 30.
We will continue to take reservations for your events and summer camp, while keeping everyone’s health and safety as our top concern.
Your prayers for all affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) are appreciated. The economic effects of this shut down come at a very challenging time. Please consider ways to help support the camping ministry now and as the situation evolves. Thank you and God bless you!
Ways to Donate to the Camping Ministry
Preventive Practices
March 13, 2020
The safety and health of guests, campers and staff is always our highest priority. In addition to our normal procedures as recommended by the American Camp Association for planning for and managing communicable diseases, our sites are taking extra precautions in the sanitizing and disinfecting of surfaces, providing soap and hand sanitizer, and limiting physical or close contact between individuals.
Most events at our facilities are within the recommended size and scope (under 100 individuals) and implementing safe and precautionary practices.
With the potential spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) within the United States, we are following directives and recommendations from state and federal agencies. We will continue to monitor the rapidly changing situation and to maintain effective protocols for the prevention, identification and appropriate treatment of any illnesses that may occur at camp, including COVID-19.
We will update this page should the situation and our response to it change.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
If you are concerned about a specific event at one of our locations, please reach out to the site director.
“Residential” Summer Camp
Looking ahead to summer camp, we will continue to use our health screening forms as well as arrival day screen procedures as recommended by ACA and public health authorities. If there are changes to this procedure as we get closer to June and the start of summer camp, we will communicate that to registrants via email and our website. At this time, we anticipate being able to hold scheduled events.
May God bless you and keep you healthy and safe.
Michigan Area United Methodist Board of Directors
Joel Wortley, Interim Executive Director, executivedirector@umcamping.org
Ann Emerson, Site Director, Lake Huron Retreat Center, lakehuronretreatcenterdirector@umcamping.org
Cindy Haynes, Site Director, Lakeview Family Campground, lakeviewfamilycampdirector@umcamping.org
Dana Hunt, Site Director, Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat, lakemichigancampdirector@umcamping.org
Nicole Holton, Site Director, Wesley Woods Camp & Retreat Center, wesleywoodssitedirector@umcamping.org
