IN 145 WORDS:

For the safety of all involved, we've made the difficult decision to cancel the first three weeks of our summer programming – including the full cancellation or significant adaptation of multiple programs. For our remaining camp weeks, we've determined decision dates and criteria for reopening . In addition to refunding cancellations, to care for camper families during this trying time, we've been offering full refunds for any reason. Our COVID-19 response so far guarantees a net loss of $700,000 in fixed costs. Should we have to cancel more camp weeks, those costs will grow. Thanks to a $350,000 matching gift from generous friends of Glisson, all Stand in the Gap Relief Fund giving will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to our $700,000 goal. With your donation or pledge today, you can help ensure camp will continue bringing faith to life for generations to come.
FULL LETTER TEXT:

Dear Camp Family,

Since cancelling our spring retreat season 56 days ago, we've been pursuing every imaginable angle of the question: "Can camp happen safely this summer?" Three things have been clear from the start:

  • If we can’t run camp safely, we won’t run camp.
  • We owe it to our camper families, summer staff, and supporters to keep adapting and preparing until either a plan works or we reach a clear-and-definite "no-go".
  • Some families will need to make a decision earlier than we will – and in these unprecedented times, we'll be offering full refunds for any reason at any time.

A fourth reality settled in soon thereafter: If camp can happen at all this summer, what we offer will look very different. Indeed, if we had to make the decision right this moment, based on the current data and trends of the pandemic, we would cancel all of our programming for summer 2020. While that may end up being the decision we have to make, we remain hopeful summer camp may still be able to happen in 2020.

DECISIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
What we have been able to determine with clarity to this point is that if we are able to host camp in 2020, it will have to be a partial season with a delayed start located almost entirely on-site at Glisson – and it will be impossible to serve individuals considered higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19 . And so, it is with deep regret we share we have cancelled the first three weeks of our summer programming – including the full cancelation or significant adaptation of multiple programs. For our remaining camp weeks, we've determined decision dates and criteria for reopening. More details can be found in this Summer Update Email , which we sent last week to all registered camper families immediately after directly notifying families whose camper’s session had been cancelled.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CAMP
While we join campers and their families in being saddened by the loss of so many camp experiences – and by the possibility of losing even more – our staff and board are fully committed to preventing any permanent harm to our ability to offer camp in the future. The decisions we've had to make so far have already cost camp a significant amount of income – $700,000 of which are fixed costs that allow us to keep utilities connected, facilities insured, and staff employed and ready to make camp happen in the future. Should we have to cancel more camp weeks, those costs will grow.
STAND IN THE GAP RELIEF FUND
To ensure the future of camp – of the ministries that have grown to bring faith to life for nearly 5,000 campers each summer – we’re announcing the Stand in the Gap Relief Fund. Your gift to this fund – above and beyond any current giving – will help guarantee the future of our camping ministries, ensuring that the damage of COVID-19 is limited as much as possible. Every gift of any amount is vital to reaching our $700,000 goal. Named after cherished camp experiences, there's a relief fund role for us all to play that matches your ability to give with your passion for camp ministry.
A CHALLENGE GIFT FOR A CHALLENGING TIME
Generous friends of Glisson have offered to match every gift, dollar for dollar, up to $350,000. This challenge, offered out of love for camp and for the difference it makes in campers’ lives, means that if our extended camp family can join together to give $350,000, we will meet our goal. Please join with me and our staff and board in prayerfully considering a gift amount that works for you and in making your donation or pledge online. You can also donate by check sent to the address below. If you have any questions or thoughts about your support, please contact our Director of Development, Celestine Hankerson, at celestine@ngcrm.org or 678-533-1378.
CLOSING
“Unprecedented” has been overused after weeks of the pandemic, but this is truly an unprecedented time in our 95-year history. And in coming decades, future generations will tell stories of how their camp experiences were ensured by those who stood in the gap back in 2020 – by those who so loved camp that they responded generously during a difficult time. Earlier generations have stepped up under challenging circumstances to offer us our experiences of camp. May we respond faithfully to this challenge today.
With gratitude in advance for your support, 
WE KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN –
OUR PASSION IS FORMING FAITH IN THE PROCESS