December 6, 2021

As planning porgresses for Summer 2022, we are keeping a close watch on the pandemic. After a successful summer in 2021, we have no doubt we will offer summer camp next season. We will release our final protocols closer to the summer season with updated guidance from the CDC, the Health Department of Arizona, and the American Camping Association (ACA).

As of now, campers/staff/volunteers can expect that we will require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of camp. Unvaccinated staff and volunteers may be subject to multiple PCR tests.

We will regularly health screen all participants at Montlure and will have rapid COVID tests available and onsite.

Other precautions, if necessary, will be reviewed and communicated to families prior to camp.

Please do not hesistate contacting camp@montlure.org for questions prior to registration.

March 26, 2021

Things are moving rapidly ahead! Not only are we in the midst of regular camp programming planning, but we are still learning and implementing COVID-19 precautions down to every last detail. Electrostatic Sprayer? Yup, we have one! We have so many precautions in place to help keep our campers and staff safe this summer and we know each one of them is worth it so that we are able to see everyone IN-PERSON in just a little over 10 weeks!

Feb 26, 2021

Quick snapshots of our basic precautions for each of our camps.

We recognize that every COVID mitigation strategy has “holes,” however, when strategies are combined together, the risk continues to lessen.

We love the “swiss cheese” theory!

Feb 19, 2021

Click on the appropriate link below to see a summary of our preventative measures and health and safety protocols for our camps this summer. As always, we continue to monitor the situation and seek continued guidance but local and federal agencies. 

If any measures are significantly changed, or our situation changes, we will communicate that with our registered families and here on our website.

Jan 31, 2021

* REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR SUMMER 2021!

As we continue to move forward with planning and implementation of our COVID-19 precautions according to CDC, ACA, and Arizona state health guidelines, we have opened camp registration for our 2021 season!

Below is a letter addressing some of our Overnight Camp safety precautions.

Letter to Parents_COVID precautions

Jan 16, 2021

We are just about to open up registration for Summer 2021!

These past 10 months have certainly been interesting, for all. We are so thankful that we have found a safe path forward in order to open up in-person camps this year! 10 months ago, the uncertainties were blinding. There was not enough information on how operations like summer camp could possibly offer a safe environment for their campers or staff.

Now, although some variables are yet to be known and some information and data still tend to change daily, we are armed with a lot more information. Montlure has been working with camps across the country who operated last summer and have been working with local agencies on specifics to the health of Arizona. 

Our Council has approved implementing all the health and safety guidelines as recommended by the CDC, the ACA (American Camping Association), and the state of Arizona authorities. 

 Below are mitigation plans to help stop the spread of COVID-19 throughout our camps this summer. For additional information, questions, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at camp@montlure.org

FOCUS ON THE BIG FIVE

• Temperature Taking
• Masks
• Physical distancing
• Hand Hygiene
• Cleaning & Sanitizing

OVERNIGHT CAMPS
*Health screenings and affidavits from camper parents prior to boarding the bus and arriving to camp
* Temperature checks, screening and hand sanitizer before permitted on the bus and arrival at camp
* Additional transportation methods in order to reduce the capacity of campers on the bus
* Mask required of all campers and staff when they are indoors and/or when they are unable to physically distance themselves
* Montlure Staff not assigned to camper pods will provide physically distanced rec activities or backup staff in the kitchen or cleaning crew
* Campers will be assigned to a camper “pod” for the week. This group will be 8 campers and two counselors and will serve as their bunkmates as well as their small groups.
* Program modifications and rotations for more small group games and activities
* Limited large group gatherings to physically distant games/activities
* No shared equipment or resources beyond camper pods
* “Barn time” outside under the ramada so physical distancing can be maintained in camper pods
* Evening campfire will be with camper pods spread apart
* Staggered meal times
* All meals outside (if weather does not permit, more staggered meal times inside)
* Single-serve dishes/utensils/etc
* No shared condiments, pitchers of drinks, salad bars, grab and go meal items
* Kitchen Staff will plate camper’s food choices behind safety barrier
* Staggered Camp Store times
* No cash at camp store, all done electronically at registration
* Uneaten snacks from bus must be disposed on arrival (not stored in kitchen)
* Shower schedules/rotations for camper pods
* Enhanced cleaning after each meal and activity
* Equipment sanitized before next pod arrives for activity
* Enhanced sanitizing of bathrooms throughout the day
* Hand sanitizer stations throughout camp
* Montlure staff will enforce hand washing periodically throughout the day and in between rotations
* Water stations will only be operated by Montlure staff as camper holds their own water bottle
* If camper shows signs/symptoms of COVID-19, they will be isolated next door to Nurse’s office until parent/guardian can arrive. 

TRAVELING DAY CAMPS
* Mask required of all campers and staff when they are indoors and/or when they are unable to physically distance themselves
* Health screenings and affidavits from camper parents prior to arriving to camp
* Temperature checks, screening and hand sanitizer before permitted on campus
* Staggered and assigned Check-in/Check-Out times for campers
* Check-in/Check-out procedures include parents waiting in car
* Campers will go to assigned camper room for their group at the beginning of the day
* Overall cap on registration numbers
* Smaller group sizes, approximately 8 campers and 2 counselors in each group
* Reduced and limited number of church volunteers (and no volunteer over the age of 65 if not vaccinated)
* Modification to activity rotation schedule to allow for more time to clean between groups and a less moving around for each group
* No shared resources between groups
* Worship will be outside weather permitting, or more than likely, indoors physically distanced. If needed for size of camp and size of space, two worship services
* Staggered lunch times
* Campers will need to bring a sack lunch each day (church will provide a backup sack lunch if camper is unable to bring their own)
* Campers will receive a water bottle at the beginning of the week and it must be brought back with them each day. Water stations will only be operated by Montlure staff as camper holds their own water bottle.
* No drinking fountains will be available
* Enhanced bathroom cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day
* Hand sanitizer stations throughout campus
* Staff to enforce the washing of hands periodically throughout the day and in between rotations
* If camper shows signs/symptoms of COVID-19, they will be isolated in a safe environment until parent/guardian can arrive.
* Extra Montlure staff not assigned to camper small groups will aid in implementing and enforcing COVID precautions.

Dec 1, 2020

If you follow us on Facebook or our eNewsletter, you know we are making progress in plans to open in-person camps for 2021. We are working diligently with health officials and collaborating with camps across the country in order to build a plan that will allow us to safely open.

Of course, information still changes and evolves and so while we are cautiously optimistic in our plans, we will not have a definite answer until Spring. However, registration (along with ability to offer FULL refunds in case of cancelation) will begin in January!

Stay tuned for more information as we will update this page in 2021 with more detailed information on reopening procedures.

Some ways you may see changes to our programming:

A cap on registration numbers
“Pod” camping, meaning campers will have smaller groups sizes  together with their counselors
Changes in our dining procedures
Changes to our transportation procedures
Changes to shared equipment and group activities
Changes to all our cleaning protocols
More hired and trained summer staff to implement procedures
And more…

After reviewing our 2021 budget, it was necessary to increase our summer programming budget by approximately $17,000. These increases are do to things like: food cost increase industry wide, implementing dining safety measures, PPE for staff/volunteers/campers, increase in cleaning supplies, various transportation methods, increase in summer staff hiring, and more.

While it is necessary for Montlure to raise funds every year in order to offset our summer programming costs and keep our registration fees lower, this year, we will also have to raise the additional funds. We know times are challenging for many families and we want camp to remain accessible to all. In order to make sure that is a reality, we have decided to not raise our base registration fee and are hopeful we can raise the additional funds need.

If you would like to donate, please do so at montlure.org/support or click the “donate” button at the top of this web page.

For questions, contact camp@montlure.org.

Stay tuned!

Below is our response to the Covid-19 pandemic as it unfolded in spring of 2020. For our announcement specifically regarding 2020 summer camp, please see post from April 8. And/or jump to our Q & A for more details.

May 1, 2020

We are just a little a month a away from the first ever Montlure virtual camp! We have had an amazing time meeting with our campers for morning wake-up calls and energizers the past couple of months and it gives us so much to look forward to this summer.

We have been spending sleepless nights planning and implementing a program this summer that will be meaninfgul, creative, and a ton of fun for our campers this year! While we wish we could see everyone in person, we are excited to have the opportunity to come to your home!

Our summer staff have been hired and have been meeting weekly over zoom to collaborate and strategize about this summer. We are confident our campers and families will be more than satisified with what we are developing. In fact, we believe we will blow all your expectations away! 

From our camper boxes, to the devotions, schedule, games, activities and so much more – they all have been curated and designed to hold true to our Montlure values while also thinking about each individual camper. There is SO much involved with virtual camp and we cannot wait to begin!

Starting May 20, summer staff are required to self-quarantine to prepare to move in together for the duration of training and camp. While training will definitely look a bit different this year, we believe it is still vital to the overall success of our program. And while this isn’t quite the summer we imagined, we continue to be in awe of God’s work and are thankful to be co-creators on this new venture.

Please visit Montlure.org/virtual-camp for details and if you have any commentts, questions, or concerns, please email camp@montlure.org

Thank you for the continued support and

April 22, 2020

It’s hard to believe what the world has been through the past couple of months. It’s hard to imagine what the next several months will look like. And it’s also hard to ride the roller coaster we have been on as a camp. 

We are both grieving what will be lost by not meeting in person this summer, while also excited for the opportunity we have to connect with our campers, to stretch our creativity, and dive deeper into intentionality as a staff.

Life is a paradox. Grief and optimism can often walk side by side. We can be utterly sad while also excited. Both emotions can be authentic and true simultaneously.

In the broader picture, we can see the darkness and brokenness in the world, while also seeing immense beauty and the love of God all around us. Both are true. 

We are not happy to lose the joy of greeting our campers as they get off their long bus ride to overnight camp. We are not happy to lose the joy of day campers walking through church doors with sleepy but wide eyes not knowing exactly what their day holds for them. There is so much to grieve. Yet, when we reflect on our campers and we see the sweet smiles and joy on their faces, we know that although we would love to be with everyone in person, we cannot go another whole year without actually seeing these faces. We want to continue building relationships with them in any capacity we are able to and so we are excited for the opportunity ahead of us!

We know that “virtual” camp seems to be the antithesis of what camp should be about. Believe us. We know! However, in the circumstances we find ourselves in, we are thankful for the unique gift of technology that can bring us all together. We are working extremely hard to provide a summer experience that connects our community. And that is what camp is about: connection. It won’t be perfect. It might be a little messy. It certainly isn’t ideal. But it will be intentional. It will be creative. It will be engaging. It will be meaningful. It will be authentic. It will be purposeful. It will be space to build relationships. It will be uniquely Montlure.

It will be hard to let go of what is lost, and that is okay! This, too, shall eventually pass. And in the meantime, we are open to seeing the immense beauty and the love of God all around us this summer. We invite you to consider reimagining what camp looks like for us this summer. We invite our campers to participate and connect with us. Visit montlure.org/virtual-camp for more details about what we have developed for 2020 and this unique time in our history. And thank you for being our journey with us the last couple of months.

We are so grateful for the love and support we have seen from our community and we thank you for your trust and confidence in our decisions, as well as the opportunity to continue to serve our campers this summer. We can’t wait to introduce you to our 2020 Reimagined Staff Team and we can’t wait to show our campers what’s in store for them this summer!

April 16, 2020

One of many ways to get through hard times is to find the silver lining – The new opportunities that come from challenges. To be open to where God has called us to go, and who God has called us to be in the face of adversity. We are working hard and doing the best we can with what we have been given and we have come to realize how many opportunities Montlure has, in spite of our challenging times.

We have the opportunity …

• to learn ways we can better connect with our campers beyond their post-camp experience. From counselor check ins, all camp zoom get togethers, and specifically created content to engage what campers learned at camp all year long.
• to connect even better with churches during this time of online worship and community. We are offering Children’s Messages and Minute for Missions for churches. They can opt in for a pre-recorded message or for a live version alongside them. In addition, the opportunity to assist with more online engagement options for children’s and youth groups.
  
• to be intentional with intergenerational tools/resources. We will be creating space for intergenerational virtual camp experiences and activities for campers to share with their families. This is a resource we would like to develop for year-round use in line with our curriculum and Sabbath practices.
• to reach kids who are unsure about camp. There are a lot of kids who have heard about Montlure through their churches (or friends) but are nervous to truly jump into camp. Virtual Camp is a non-threatening way kids can experience and get a taste for what the Montlure community is all about.
• to reach kids who have never heard about Montlure. One of many examples could be in churches where VBS programs are having to cancel and families are looking for another alternative but have not engaged with Montlure previously.
• to continue to build relationships with other camps across North America; Shared resources, shared ideas, and shared brain power all around. (There’s also opportunity, in a safe way, to connect campers to other campers across the county, pen-pal style.)
• to find more opportunity! The camp industry is full of the most creative, flexible, and adaptable people who are not afraid to take risks and try new things; it is a requirement demanded for the industry. Through this lens, we will undoubtedly find more opportunities in front of us and will rise to meet the challenge.

Thank you for your continued support and prayer as we continue to boldly move forward. Please contact us or share your ideas at any time. We are looking forward to spending time with our campers this summer. To us, it matters most that we connect and interact with our campers. If that means we have to do it virtually, then we will do that with the most creativity and intentional way we can. Thank you for your confidence and trust in us, we do not take that lightly. We truly love our campers and can’t imagine not seeing them for a summer. Please click here for more information on our summer programming for this year.

April 13, 2020

Well, somehow, we got here. A place we never could have even imagined because it is so unprecedented, yet here we are, and we are very hopeful. (I think I’ll be saying that again in about 7 weeks, as well!)

Registration has officially opened for our 2020 Virtual Camp season! You can find more details on our page montlure.org/virtual-camp. We are still working on some details and may make some updates and changes but wanted to get the information out that we do have.

In a time of such uncertainty, it has been nice having a little bit of certainty these past several days, even as we grieve all that we will miss this summer. It is a hard balance sometimes – the difference of emotions. How can we be so excited about one side of the coin and yet at the same time be so sad about the other side? I suppose that is life. Constant parallels of different emotions. This virus has taken so much away from so many of us. Both physical health for some, and emotional, economical, mental, and social aspects for others. A tragedy. And yet, at the same time, we are finding ways to connect with far away family and friends over the internet in ways we wouldn’t have even thought about before. We have more time to spend with our immediate families while we are home (as chaotic as it may or may not be). We are finding ways to push back on the term “social distancing” as many of us are being more social as we are physically distant. Hopefully, we are also finding more times to “unplug” and connect with our faith. And of course, well, there’s always the fact that we can wear our sweatpants a whole lot more often! So while there is tragedy, there is blessing. Much like this past Easter weekend, we remembered the tragedy and darkness of Good Friday yet then we celebrated the the glorious beauty and life of Easter Sunday.

So we will continue to mourn what we have lost with camp, but we will also look to the hopeful future of THIS summer; to the ways that we will be able to connect with our campers unimaginable before and still experience authentic community and personal transformation. And then, we will also keep our eye on the future beyond this summer and remember that, we are not holding in-person camp this summer, so we can in 2021. And what a glorious reunion, that will be!

April 9, 2020

April 8, 2020

Due to the health crisis and concerns of COVID-19, it is with a very heavy heart we have to announce that we will not be holding any physical, in-person camps for Summer 2020; This includes our Overnight and Day Camp programs.

While it was not an easy decision to make, it was the only decision as the safety of our campers and staff is always our first priority. We understand the heartache of campers who look forward to each summer to reconnect with friends and connect with their faith. We understand the heartache of the new campers who were planning to come to camp for the very first time. We understand the heartache of our Senior campers who were planning to attend camp for the very last time. We understand the heartache of our volunteers as this formative experience is no longer an option. We understand the heartache of our Summer Staff, both new and returning, who have committed their entire summer to serve the campers of Montlure. And, we understand the heartache of parents, grandparents, and friends of campers who were excited to know the ministry of Montlure continues.

There is so much to grieve; we grieve with you. Intentional space will be made to name and process the loss. Camp is an anchor to the lives of so many and while we all work toward new [temporary] rhythms due to this health crisis, we know summer camp was a hope so many were clinging to. However, when we are faced with adversity, faced with crisis, we sometimes have the ability to see new opportunities that would not have been noticed prior. This is true with camp. Of course, nothing replaces the physical act of living together in 24-hour community, together under the stars, around a campfire, and the melodies of camp songs filling the air. And nothing replaces seeing our youngest campers at Day Camp, experiencing Montlure for the first time and filling the church halls with giggles and wiggles. Yet, the community of Montlure is stronger than this virus and we will continue.

We are very excited about what the new and reimagined camp experience can look like in the midst of the world as we know it today. Our staff has already been working, tirelessly, on “Virtual Camp 2020.” From group energizers, songs, games, to small group discussions, online campfires, and more. We are just as excited to “see” and connect with our campers as we have been every summer in the past. Below, we hope to answer some Q&A’s regarding why canceling in-person was the only option for Montlure, and a brief overview of what we are rolling out for new “virtual” summer camp programming.

Let me make this clear: Summer camp is not canceled. We are reimagining what camp looks like for this summer. We are looking forward to see how God uses Montlure during an extremely difficult time. We are excited to play and laugh with our campers while we build community and create safe spaces to be vulnerable and have transformative experiences. 

We are currently being asked to plug into technology more than ever before, we will continue to be intentional about creating space and opportunity to unplug and connect with our faith and with the beautiful creation we can find everywhere.

Montlure has faced adversity before. Every time, we have come out stronger, together, and even more committed to the ministry and mission that we have been called to.

Please pray for us as we navigate uncharted waters and we prepare for a summer we will truly never forget. Follow us online, follow us on Facebook, and subscribe to our newsletter to see about all the upcoming opportunities and announcements.

Kellie von Borstel, Montlure Camp Director
and on behalf of the Montlure Council

Q & A — What now?

Below are some questions we know you may have. If you have additional questions, please email camp@montlure.org.
We will also update this Q&A as we learn more.

WHAT IS VIRTUAL CAMP 2020?

Sometimes, when the world prevents you from “Option A,” you are given another opportunity. Our Council and Staff are committed to providing the absolute best “Option B” that ever existed. We are working full-time to reimagine camp for summer 2020. Camps will begin on Sunday afternoon and end on Thursday evenings, with an optional Friday morning “Open house.”

Every day will have a complete schedule from the wake-up call to bedtime. We will intermix video conferencing to build intentional community along with specific self-guided “offline” experiences for campers to complete in the allotted time and various intergenerational options for families to experience together. Although we have a full schedule, we don’t expect our campers to be online all day. Depending on age, their online meetings will be 25-40 mins each, at various points throughout the day. In between time will be given to the provided offline activities, as well as optional times they can log in for “sign up” activities or to just chat with counselors in a group setting.

Our staff will also continue to check-in with campers and their small groups at regularly scheduled times throughout the rest of the summer.

In addition, we are developing camp-style workshops that individuals can sign up for after the full camp week is over. These workshops are not just a “talking head” that teaches something (you can find that on YouTube), but rather a small group coming together over shared interests to develop and hone in on particular skills, talents and interests.

We believe that by reimagining camp during this difficult time can lead to a time of innovation and creativity to propel our overall programming even more. See more at Montlure.org/virtual-camp

HOW CAN I SIGN UP FOR VIRTUAL CAMP?

Registration opened on Easter Sunday! You can click the “Register Today” link at the top of our webpage or visit Montlure.org/virtual-camp which provides more details for our Camp Reimagined. 

HOW MUCH WILL VIRTUAL CAMP COST?

We have been working to develop a program that is very lost-cost to our families during this difficult time. Please keep in mind, we still have a hired summer staff that will complete numerous days of training and who will lead campers through their week of full-day camp, lead check-in groups throughout the remainder of the summer, as well as lead camp workshops. Prior to camp, each camper will also receive a camp t-shirt, water bottle, and all the other program materials and resources for offline activities.

We estimate the cost per camper close to $135. However, in the tradition of Montlure, we are asking families to self-select a Tier for their cost. Our lowest option Tier 1 is a subsidized rate of just $50 per camper. Tier 2 is $90, and Tier 3 is $135. We ask families/churches to consider the highest Tier they are able to in order to help offset our costs and for other families who may not be able to pay the full rate at this time.

We also ask, if you are able, to consider a one-time donation directly to our program budget to help us offset fees. Montlure.org/support.

WHAT EQUIPMENT/RESOURCES WILL WE NEED FOR VIRTUAL CAMP?

You will receive a schedule prior to camp that shows what times campers need to log in virtually. The platforms we will use will be accessible via computer, tablet, and/or smartphone and will be compatible with Windows, iOS and Android.

We recognize not everyone will have the ability to access the internet or have compatible devices. Please let us know if you will need help, and we will try to connect you with a church nearby that might be offering support. Unfortunately, simply because of the circumstances we find ourselves in, we may not be able to meet everyone’s needs, but we will do whatever we can.

In addition, we will have many activities that are done offline and registered campers will have access to those directives without having online access. All other program and activity materials and resources will be provided to the camper in the camper kit, prior to the start of their camp week. (More details in registration process.) If you are unable to join virtually, but still wish to participate in camp “at home,” we recommend registering with Tier 1, and then send us an email letting us know you cannot participate virtually. All Registered campers will still receive the fuller camper kit, including memorabilia, and can participate by completing activities at home. 

WHAT ABOUT INTERNET SAFETY?

Montlure has typically been concerned about online safety after our unplugged camps conclude. Again, as we have stated, the safety of our campers is our first priority. As we are developing our program, we are keeping online safety at the forefront. We will be sending campers and guardians our protocols as well as educational components for them prior to camp. We have already learned more than we ever thought we would need to as a camp about online safety and we will do everything in our control to make sure the spaces we create are secure and safe. More details will be given out through the registration process and the weeks leading up to camp. Of course, we welcome you to come to us with your concerns at any time so we can address those. We also welcome parents/guardians sitting in (or rather, participating!) on any virtual activities and discussions that take place.

WHAT ABOUT 12th GRADE CAMPERS?

Our heart is heavy and we know this is an incredibly hard summer to be a 12th grade camper; a summer in which it is the last to participate as a camper. We see you. You are not forgotten.

We have some special things in store for you this summer and we look forward to recognizing and celebrating you. And beyond that, we want to make a promise to you: We cannot promise when, but we can promise we will, have a special Seniors-only lock-in during the 2020-2021 school year. More details will be sent to all registered senior campers when we are able to give more information. You are loved!

WHEN CAN WE GET TOGETHER AGAIN?

Similar to our event to be held for seniors, we also want to promise: We will have an in-person get together for all Montlure campers. Whether that is at the end of the summer, Fall break, Christmas break…at some point, when we are safely able to gather together, we will hold the biggest Montlure rally of current campers ever! More details will come!

March 27, 2020 – Letter from our Director

It seems like every day we are all waiting to see how the world continues to change around us. We are in challenging times. Much of the challenge with COVID-19 comes from all the unknown answers and variables we are all waiting to understand. At Montlure, the same is true for us.

To be perfectly honest, early last week I still felt like a deer in the headlights. It was incredibly hard to see through the fog.

However, just as things are changing daily regarding the virus itself, things have been changing daily with how I see Montlure moving forward. Believe it or not, I have actually become incredibly excited and incredibly hopeful for this summer. While things are still in motion and decisions are being discussed by the Council, please know Montlure is not going anywhere. Our mission has not changed. Our values have not changed. And this health crisis will not be the undoing of Montlure.

The importance of camaraderie and community, the importance of a radical sense of belonging, the importance of getting to explore faith in deep, meaningful, and real ways, the importance of seeing and experiencing the beauty in creation, the importance of physical, emotional, and spiritual safety….this is why Montlure exists. This is why it is so important that we continue to build our ministry and mission even in the face of adversity.

I’ve been asking myself, “What can we offer to the greater community in the midst of this crisis?” That, along with our mission and values as my focus, has been my driving force. The wheels are turning and I cannot wait to share with everyone some of our thoughts and the positive “camp” ways we can be a part of this shared human experience.

Currently, members of both the 2019 and 2020 Summer Staff teams are helping our campers create a new rhythm as they are adapting to remote learning. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:30am we are logging into a Zoom room to have 10 minutes of camp energizers, a small faith challenge, and prayer before we start our days. Set a reminder on your calendars, join us, and help spread the word to other campers! The login link is: https://zoom.us/j/309020100. (Before logging in for the first time you will need to download the zoom app on a computer, phone, or tablet.)  Please note, the safety of our campers is always our number one priority. As we move into digital communication, I need to point out that this is not a password protected zoom room so anyone with the link can join. Parents, we welcome including you in our time together in the mornings with your camper(s)! In addition to help manage safety, as host of the zoom room, I am able to see everyone who logs in. The chat feature has also been modified so participants cannot communicate with one another, but can only communicate with me as the host. As we continue to explore online community during these hard times, please trust we are keeping our campers in mind.

For years, especially since we have been navigating the challenges that the Wallow Fire has given us, we have said Montlure is not just a place, but it is a community of people brought together by the love of Christ, to show the love of Christ to all. Among other ways, we have demonstrated this through the lack of a permanent “home” for overnight camp, and we have demonstrated this through the many locations of our Traveling Day Camps. Now, along with our other faith communities, we are exploring this reality even more.

While we are still in prayer over what COVID-19 means for summer camp, we can continue to be a community, bound by Christ’s love, no matter where we are.

As we weather this storm together, we will let you know as soon as any decisions are made regarding camp this summer, and you are welcome to reach out to us at anytime. In the meantime, please know that things are moving full speed and we are working harder than ever to make sure the mission and ministry of Montlure will be here this summer, and for generations to come.

Blessings to all during this difficult time,

Kellie von Borstel, Montlure Camp Director

March 16, 2020  8:30am

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we know many families are starting to question how summer camp might be affected.

Please be assured we are closely monitoring the situation and following the guidance of the CDC, local health authorities, and the American Camp Association to ensure we are doing everything possible to support the ongoing efforts to slow and stop the spread of this illness.

While we already have well-established health policies and procedures in place, we have been thoroughly reviewing and updating those protocols to assure we are following best health and safety practices for our campers and staff. 

This global situation is changing daily. The health and safety of our campers and staff is our first priority at Montlure. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the advice of our local and national agencies in regard to our response for summer camp programming. Should things change for our ability to operate summer camp, we will communicate this  as early as possible. 

We are currently accepting registrations for camp. In the event summer programming is canceled, or if a camper is exposed or becomes ill due to COVID-19, full refunds including deposits will be given or can be rolled over and applied to the following year.

If you have additional questions about the situation please contact us at (520) 369-2199 or camp@montlure.org.

Kellie von Borstel, Montlure Camp Director
Richard Gray, Montlure Council President

More information on COVID-19 is available at:
 https://www.azdhs.gov/, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, and https://www.who.int/.