Dear Sonshine Christian Youth Camp Family,
I pray that you are well at this time and that all have adjusted to the current situation of our world as best as you can. In all things, it is important that we remember that God is in control and in Him we put our trust.
With a saddened heart I share with you that the decision has been made that all Bandina Christian Youth Camp sessions have been cancelled for the summer of 2020.
I, and the SCYC board of directors, believe this is the appropriate and best course of action for current and coming conditions. Although we want to be together this summer, this decision is in the interest of the safety and well-being of all that are associated with Camp Bandina.
I am grateful for the Bandina board of directors and their swift decision. It was difficult for them to make, but the decision was made in Christ-like love for us all.
Below is what was directly sent out by the Bandina Christian Youth Camp board of directors. I encourage you to read it. Please take to heart that there is a great weight and burden that comes with this decision, and Bandina will need our love and support in the coming year.
But if there is one thing above all that I ask from you in this time, it is for you to pray. Yes, pray for Bandina – but pray for our homes, our churches, our cities, our country, our world.
I’m sure there will be many questions. I will do my best to provide answers. Please contact me with the questions you may have. I hate having to deliver this information by email, but it is the fastest and most convenient way to do so. Please pass this information along to those who need to know. Your assistance in doing so is much appreciated.
I will deeply miss seeing each and every member of our SCYC family. We will be together again soon. Until then, stay healthy, keep praying.
In His Service,
Wes Wilson – SCYC Session Director
On behalf of the SCYC Board of Directors
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From Bandina Christian Youth Camp:
At today's meeting of the executive board of Bandina Christian Youth Camp, Inc., the board voted to cancel the Summer 2020 camp sessions due to what is known and the many unknowns regarding the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The board also voted to limit social gatherings at the camp through the end of July. Please help us communicate this information to the many interested parties affected by this decision.
This was not an easy decision for the board. Speaking from my personal experience with each, they are good and Godly people. They each devote countless hours in service to God, the camp, their staff and the campers. While we recognize that Camp Bandina holds a unique and special place in the spiritual lives of thousands, the board also shoulders the responsibility to consider the health, safety and welfare of all involved. I would request your prayerful support of these men during this difficult time.
The board also voted to allow those groups affected by the cancellation of the summer camp sessions to have the first opportunity to schedule retreats after the conclusion of the summer camp season, presuming that assembly restrictions have been lifted by that time.
As with many other small, non-profit enterprises, this decision will have significant financial consequences for the camp. The board agreed to meet again on May 2, 2020 to consider changes to the budget for the remainder of this year. We would request your prayers as the board considers how to navigate the troubled financial times ahead.
The motto of Bandina Christian Youth Camp has long been "where youth meet God." We pray that we will all seek ways to continue to lead our young people to "meet God" in these uncertain times. We commend to you the words of the lord Jesus from John 16:33: "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
For the Bandina Christian Youth Camp Executive Board,
Grant Jackson
