COVID-19 and 2020 MDSC Update
June 19, 2020
Dear MDSC Family,
On Friday, June 12th, Governor Whitmer released an Executive Order which allowed residential summer camps to open based on guidelines released by the Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) department, which is responsible for licensing MDSC and all summer camps in the state.
The MDSC Board fully reviewed all the requirements and recommendations to operate a summer camp and we focused on assessing if there was any chance to open MDSC this summer. Unfortunately, based on the extensive health and safety requirements that would have to be met, we simply would not have the time to adequately complete that work and still offer a summer camp season. Most of the requirements and recommendations would result in a significant change to just about every aspect of our camp’s operations and programs this summer. Furthermore, we would need to significantly limit camper enrollment in order to maintain proper distancing requirements to mitigate the chance of spreading the COVID virus at camp.
At the same time we were conducting our review of the LARA guidelines, we also consulted with the Metropolis of Detroit, who came to the same conclusion as explained here: MDSC Letter RE Governor’s Announcement (Updated).
We would have loved to open MDSC, but it just isn’t possible this year. The MDSC Board commits to finding other ways to stay connected this summer and in the near future, while we diligently plan to reopen camp again for the summer of 2021! Please continue to keep MDSC in your prayers and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
MDSC Board of Trustees and Camp Directors
April 30, 2020
Dear MDSC Family,
As you may have read in the letter from His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, a decision has been made to cancel the Metropolis of Detroit Summer Camp (MDSC) and all other camps in our Metropolis for the 2020 season because of the COVID-19 crisis. The decision to close our camp, and other camps across our Metropolis and Archdiocese, was made with the advice of medical and other experts who confirm that the COVID-19 virus will still be a strong reality throughout the summer and the near future
We are heartbroken. For the first time since the camp opened in 1951, we will not be able to welcome hundreds of our beloved campers and staff to experience the faith, friendship and fun that we’ve all come to know and look forward to every summer in the beautiful and peaceful setting of our camp.
We know this hurts, and it affects everyone involved. Our Board and the 6-week Directors were already working hard to plan for another memorable summer at MDSC. Campers and staff were looking forward to returning and seeing old friends, making new ones and having the experience that only MDSC can offer. Our staff was ready to give our campers all of their energy, creativity and love to make sure they had another great summer at camp. Parents were looking forward to seeing the huge smiles on pick-up day and hearing about all the fun their children had at camp. And, our many alumni were hoping to hear about another successful summer at the place that holds many fond memories for them.
We all know our camp, and realize that maintaining social distancing and other safety measures is an impossibility at any summer camp. From the hugs and socializing near the tent on drop-off Sundays and at pick-up on Saturdays, to the close quarters in our cabins and Suzies, with sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in the dining room or in the lodge, or even in our tight space in the infirmary if someone is ill, we could not meet the guidelines recommend by the CDC and other medical experts. Our highest focus at MDSC, above everything else, has always been SAFETY. Even if we found a way to meet some of the recommended guidelines at MDSC, we could not guarantee that COVID-19 wouldn’t spread at camp or be brought home in some way to parents, grandparents or others who are at higher risk from severe complications because of this virus.
Our goal now is to look forward to staying connected to our MDSC family, and to plan for the summer of 2021, which will be our 70th Anniversary. We are currently planning ways to stay connected through social media and other Virtual MDSC experiences during this next year. Our 6-week Directors will be working with our Board and more information about these ideas will be shared as soon as possible.
We will also be fully refunding the tuition of all campers who were already registered for this summer. Please allow a few weeks until we can complete this work. The camp would greatly appreciate if any of our families would consider donating to MDSC to help us with the year-round expenses of the camp. Our typical operating budget, when running a full camp season, is almost $190,000. But, there are approximately $45,000 in fixed annual costs to maintain the camp site, insurance, utilities and other expenses. Please consider donating directly through our MDSC Donation Link. You can also contact our MDSC Registrar, Andrea Paul, if you are able to donate some or all of the camper tuition already paid to MDSC.
If you have any questions, we encourage you to email the camp at gomdsc@gmail.com. Please continue to pray for our beloved MDSC and for the safety and well-being of all our campers, staff, alumni and their families during this time. We love you all and look forward to the time we can be together again at MDSC!
MDSC Board of Trustees & Camp Directors