New Life Ranch, a Christian camp with two locations in Oklahoma, will have summer camp this year.
Tom Graney, executive director of NLR, announced in an email to supporters that the first summer sessions will begin June 7.
“Possibly more than ever, we are excited about getting kids to camp,” Graney wrote. “There are more details to come and we will be getting that information out to everyone soon, but with information we have right now, we feel confident with having camp this summer.”
The chapel at New Life Ranch, Flint Valley, will host campers this summer beginning June 7.
The first week of camp originally was set for May 31, but after hours of prayer, meetings, evaluations and consultation with local medical providers and state officials – and following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control – the first week of camp was delayed one week. NLR staff have contacted all the campers who were signed up for the first week and have rescheduled in later weeks during the summer.
Hare are changes for this summer:
- At home pre-screening before kids ever get to camp
- A new release form will need to be signed
- Enhanced screening during check-in
- Limiting access to cabins and other camp facilities during check-in to non-campers
- No drop off of care packages for campers
- Enhanced cleaning of cabins and general spaces during a week of camp
- More washing and sanitizing of hands when entering cabins and general spaces around camp
- The Friday evening testimony service will not be open to parents or guests (they are exploring streaming options)
- No large group Saturday morning celebration during pick-up
“Really, camper and staff safety are always a priority for us each summer, but with our current situation we are learning and adding new and more enhanced measures for this summer,” Graney said. “We apologize for any inconvenience that might cause and ask for grace and understanding, know that the decisions we are making we believe are for the good of everyone.
“Along with our priority on safety, it’s also a priority of ours to stay focused on our mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equipping believers for ministry. Maybe more than ever, we want campers to hear the truth of God’s word and understand the new life that it can bring.
“We all need to grow in our understanding and applying of Proverbs 3:5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ It’s my hope and prayer that we can all learn to better ‘Walk His Way’ as we go through life, even through a pandemic.”
Also, the NLR camper scholarship fund is low due to the coronavirus and there are campers in need of financial aid to go to camp.
New Life Ranch has two campuses: Flint Valley at 160 New Life Ranch Drive, Colcord, Oklahoma; and Frontier Cove, 6253 East 440 Road, Adair, Oklahoma. For information, go to www.newliferanch.com or call 918-422-5506.