Photo credit: Southland Church

The Lead Pastor for Southland Church in Steinbach says they have made the difficult decision to cancel their camp program for this summer.

Kris Duerksen says COVID-19 has simply made it too great a challenge to attempt to run camp this year up at Bird River Bible Camp.

Duerksen explains they are in the process of building a new dining hall and kitchen, which was supposed to be ready for the start of camp this year. But, the construction industry is not immune to this pandemic, and Duerksen says physical distancing requirements and restrictions are making it impossible for crews to meet their deadlines.

“We won’t be able to finish it this summer,” he says. “Originally, we were supposed to have the construction of the site done by the end of June, but with all this happening now, there is just no way it will be finished.”

Then, also related to COVID-19, Duerksen says there is still no indication that restrictions will be loosened to the point that they can begin welcoming campers in July.

“So, we’ve had to cancel camp for this summer,” he notes.

Duerksen says by no means was it easy to come to this consensus.

“First of all, we love camp because we love kids so much,” he shares.

Last year, about 1,300 children attended Bird River Bible Camp. On top of that, there are many young adults and high school students who serve at camp each summer.

“For many of them, summer is their highlight of the year,” says Duerksen. “I know a lot of our young adults, a lot of our young people are obviously very disappointed.”

He notes Southland staff is also saddened, but says right now this is our reality.

For all those who had already paid this year’s camp fees, Duerksen says they will be refunded in the next week or two. Those who fundraised, will have that amount automatically rolled over into next year.

“Hopefully (COVID-19) is over by then,” he says.

Meanwhile, Duerksen says it is certainly not out of the realm of possibility that Southland could offer some other programs to replace camp for this summer.

“We are always talking and seeing if there are things we could do,” he says.

“But again, it will all depend on what physical distancing guidelines are by then,” says Duerksen. “We will have to see what happens, but certainly if things get loosened up, I’m sure we will do something in summer.”