Welcome to Big Lake Campmeeting Association
Big Lake Campmeeting 2020 Update
Dear Family and Friends,
After prayerful consideration, the Big Lake Campmeeting Board of Directors voted unanimously during a recent Zoom Board Meeting to cancel all Big Lake Campmeeting activities for Summer 2020. Among the points we considered in making this difficult and regrettable decision were:
- Maine has established a 4-stage algorithm for reopening businesses and recreation. Summer camps are relegated to ‘Stage 3’, which is projected to occur in July/August, but timing is dependent on the incidence of Covid-19 illnesses/deaths in Maine. No camp reservations could be taken until Stage 3 guidelines are complete, which may not happen until sometime in July, just about the time we would be opening.
- Any out of state staff would need to arrive in Maine and self-quarantine for 2-weeks prior to the opening of camp. Six of our staff, including critically our nurse and lifeguard, are from out of state and are unable to meet this requirement. Testing for the virus may be required for campers and staff on arrival and with the onset of any symptoms.
- Social distancing is not feasible for campers and counselors (e.g. sleeping in cabins, games, meals) and the requirement for frequent cleaning/sanitizing of bathrooms, showers, dining room, kitchen and the Tabernacle (cloth seats) creates a significant burden.
- Finally, the legal liability associated with campers/staff becoming infected and passing it on to family/friends/elderly must be considered.
While we do not have the capacity to offer a virtual Campmeeting, during that week in July we plan to use our website and Facebook page to provide our Big Lake family with the message of Jesus Christ by posting special messages in word and song. We still want Campmeeting week to remain a special time of worship and renewal for each of us as individuals and collectively as the Big Lake family.
We also plan to take the opportunity this summer to continue the improvement and maintenance of our buildings and grounds which has been a priority in recent years. Among the projects we anticipate for this summer is leveling and reseeding the ball field, improvements to the Memorial Building, and completion of the painting of the Crocket Building which began at last Fall’s workday.
While some costs decrease without Campmeeting, many significant costs such as insurance and utilities remain. Without a nightly collection to bring in revenue, we must rely even more heavily on our Spring Fund Drive which is now underway. That appeal and reply envelope was mailed to your earlier this month. The board is encouraged by and grateful to many of you who have responded already. Please consider a gift as you can and above all keep the work of Big Lake Campmeeting in your daily prayers.
With God’s grace, we will return to full activity stronger than ever in 2021.
Thank you,
John McRorie, President
Below you will find links to our online camper registration form, our brochure, and a printable registration form. NOTE: Registration form and brochures have not been updated for 2020 yet. Please check back in the early summer.
Big Lake Campmeeting Association is a qualified 501(c)3 tax exempt organization, EIN 82-1697587.
Please click a donation button below or mail your check to:
Big Lake Campmeeting Association
PO Box 762
West Chester, OH 45071
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