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2020 Camp Mephibosheth
Mephibosheth leaders, volunteers and staff have wrestled with whether or not to have camp this summer. With a lot of thought, consideration and prayer, we’ve decided that camp will have to wait until next summer. We are all disappointed about it, but the safety and health of our campers and volunteers are our greatest responsibility. The guidelines and requirements from the CDC informed our decision. Here’s how: The risk for infection is high According to the CDC, our campers are at the highest risk of complications in the event of contracting the virus because of disabilities and related medical conditions. Also, a large number of our volunteers are high-risk with age and underlying health issues. We are blessed to have campers and volunteers from many different parts of Indiana. However, traveling from different geographical areas increases risk of spreading the virus as well. Our ability to maintain the guidelines is low Per the CDC guidelines, extensive safety procedures would need to be followed to ensure the health safety of our campers and volunteers. At this time, these would include wearing masks while indoors, social distancing of 6 ft. between campers and staff, and staying in small groups with limited interaction between groups. Meals would need to be in small settings rather than all in one room. We agree that these are necessary measures to ensure the safety of campers. However, the limitations would fundamentally change how we “do camp.” Since fellowship, as well as following a normal routine, is very important to our group, difficulties could arise with the changes that would need to take place. While we wait, we can still celebrate! This summer marks what would have been the 20th anniversary of camp! Even though we will have to wait for next year, we can reminisce about past years with your pictures and stories. Post them to Facebook or email them to us and we will share them in various ways during the upcoming year. We will appreciate camp even more in 2021! 12 Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. – Romans 12:12 (NCV) |
The Way and Friends Unlimited
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are closing The Way community day program and Friends Unlimited beginning Monday, March 16th. We aren’t aware of anyone with symptoms of the illness, but the health and safety of our participants is of utmost importance. We are taking this action to help protect our individuals – some of whom are high-risk – and to do our part to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing. Since the situation changes rapidly, this closure will remain in effect until further notice. We will be monitoring the activities of our state and local governments as well as the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control. When these measures are updated or lifted by these groups, we will evaluate the situation and make a determination for changes or reopening our programs. We suggest you plan for at least 3 weeks. Please join us in prayer for the mitigation of this virus, for our leaders, for those in the healthcare field, those who contract the virus, and those who are taking measures to help slow the spread of the virus. If you have any questions regarding the closings, please email info@mm-abilities.org. The Way Community meets on Mondays and Thursdays. Friends Unlimited takes place on Tuesday evenings. |