Pathways and COVID-19

Dear friends,

The leadership of Pathways has held several meetings and discussions about COVID- 19 and our 2020 summer camp schedule. Our primary concern is for the safety and wellbeing of all campers, staff, and their families. In these challenging and uncertain times we can look to scripture for guidance. Psalm 31:24 proclaims, “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!” Therefore, we have made the difficult, but thoughtful decision to cancel June programs onsite at Camp Emmaus. Also, at this time, we have cancelled all of our Day Camp/VBS Programs for the 2020 Summer Season.

Pathways staff will be reaching out to families, congregations, and retreat groups with information about full refunds, rescheduling, and alternative program options.

We believe that the Bible Camp experience is more important now than ever before. Pathways leadership and staff are tentatively and prayerfully planning to resume camp operations in July following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Minnesota Department of Health. Although camp may look different this summer, we hope to see familiar faces as we continue to impact the faith formation in our campers and families. Because of this, full refunds will be guaranteed up to the start date of each program. While we understand this is a difficult decision, with many uncertainties, we will keep you informed of new developments.

For more than 50 years, Pathways has connected generations of campers and families to their faith, to each other, to new friends, and to nature. In this moment, we are being tested as a whole world against the devastation of this virus. Together we will come out of this stronger and with new skills and knowledge to connect with one another and our faith. I leave you with part of a campfire favorite. “Be Bold! Be Strong! For the Lord your God is with you!”

We are grateful for your steadfast support and willingness to walk alongside us in faith.

In loving service,

Chris Andreasen, Executive Director