Summer 2020 Cancellation Update

Summer 2020 Cancellation Update

Dear Friends and Family of Camp Sancta Maria,

When Monsignor Maurice Chawke founded Camp Sancta Maria in 1933, I doubt he fully knew the impact CSM would have on so many people. Over the last 87 years, countless campers have come through the front gates only to leave a week or two later having grown stronger in their faith, closer to Christ, and with a special place in their heart for CSM. Camp has truly become home for so many campers and their families. I have witnessed countless campers and counselors in tears as they wave goodbye at the end of a session or the summer. We all look forward to returning to CSM, our home away from home each year.

As we are well aware, this year has been unlike any other. Nothing is quite like we are used to and we are still living in such uncertain times. One thing we know for certain is that our Blessed Mother is watching over Camp. Each year we entrust Camp to Mary and ask for her protection and care. We have been asking her intercession in a special way as we navigate and discern what lies in store for this summer.

We strive to provide a safe, fun, and faith filled experience each summer. The health and safety of our campers and staff is our top priority. With so much uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, if or when camps will be able to operate, and the new guidelines from the CDC for camps, we cannot in confidence say that we will be able to achieve those standards this year. So, it is with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes that I have to announce the cancellation of all camp sessions for the summer of 2020.

We, like you, cannot imagine a summer without new friendships, bonfires, Mass, Capture the Flag, and Baked Alaska. We know this is not the news any of us were hoping to hear, but we continue to entrust Camp to the Blessed Mother and trust her Son Jesus to see us through this quiet summer here at Camp. We look forward to the summer of 2021 when we can reunite at CSM our home away from home!

For those who have already registered, look for an email by the end of next week which will include a form to indicate your choice regarding your camp registration. Options include: you may transfer your registration to next summer, donate your registration to CSM, or have your payment refunded. If you do not receive the email and link with the form by next weekend, please email Wally Ferrara at [email protected] .

We know these are difficult times and many are facing financial hardships. As the summer sessions are our primary source of income, if you or someone you know is in a position to support us through donations, we would be most grateful!

Please follow us on Facebook and keep an eye on your email as we plan to stay connected and to do some fun things this summer. Thank you for your understanding and support!

Sincerely in Christ,

John David Kuhar
Dad, Donor, and Executive Director

CSM is held in a trust governed by an independent Board of Trustees. While the Archdiocese of Detroit had generously donated the services of one its priests for decades, they are not responsible for CSM financially. This means that we are responsible to secure our own funding to advance the mission that has been passed down to us since our founding in 1933. To continue this essential work, we need your help. Are you feeling called to donate? Thank you for your prayerful consideration!

Camp Sancta Maria is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity. Our tax id number is 38-6086752. Donors may deduct contributions as provided in Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers and gifts under Sections 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Code.

Donations may be sent to:

Camp Sancta Maria

P. O. Box 613

Washington, MI 48094

Or donate via credit card by contacting us at:

Phone: 248-822-8199

Fax: 866-875-1933

Email: [email protected]

Or donate online by clicking below: