Good News for Parents, Day Camp is Open at Holston

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 15, 2020

CONTACT: JIM AUSTIN, DIRECTOR (O) 844-465-7866 (C) 423-202-1655

GOOD NEWS FOR PARENTS, DAY CAMP IS OPEN AT HOLSTON

Holston Presbytery Camp and Retreat Center will operate a Day Camp program beginning May 25. HPCRC’s Day Camp provides Christ-centered childcare for our surrounding community. Holston is celebrating its 65th anniversary.

The program operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. A light breakfast is served from 8:00 until 8:30. Lunch and a mid-afternoon snack are also served. Sessions are planned through June, July, and August. Day Camp will not operate the week of July 4. It is open to rising 1st through rising 8th graders in limited numbers.

“We have carefully considered the CDC guidelines in combination with American Camp Association’s recommendations for camps and have concluded we can conduct a safe and healthy program that meets the needs of the community,” said Jim Austin, Director.

The camp plans to observe the following guidelines to keep the campers safe: social distancing, wearing face masks, being primarily outdoors, practicing sanitation and hygiene, and monitoring groups.

“We will continue to require a safe distance of 6’ between campers. This may be easier said than done with children eager to be with their friends, but we recognize the value of this practice. We have designed activities that observe social distancing,” said Austin.

“We ask that each camper bring a clean, washable, cloth mask to camp. Although we feel we can be in open areas without a mask, there will be times we need to apply face protection.”

Research shows that transmission of a virus is less likely in open, outdoor spaces. Holston Camp has 150 acres of beautiful, wooded land for children to explore. The camp has several open-air pavilions where children can play on a rainy day.

“We will practice personal hygiene and sanitation every day. We are abiding by CDC standards for cleanliness in our kitchen, bathrooms, and indoor areas. We will sanitize commonly touched surfaces daily,” Austin said.

Enrollment will be limited to smaller groups stationed at different points on campus. Groups will not be allowed to co-mingle. Temperatures will be taken at drop-off, at lunch, and at pick-up. Campers will be closely monitored for any symptoms that indicate a possible infection.

Although Holston Overnight Camp has been canceled for June, it is tentatively scheduled for July with a modified program called ALL IN CAMP. Overnight camps will be held in the “rustic” campsite areas where campers can enjoy screened-in cabins, bathhouse, and open-air, covered picnic areas.

With these key factors in place, Holston provides youth a summer camp experience that unites them with friends, offers stimulating activities and conversations, and identifies God as our creator, sustainer, and redeemer. Register at www.HolstonCenter.org.

Please call Jim Austin, Director with any questions. (844) 465-7866.

Thank you for your prayers, patience, faith, and for being a friend to HPCRC!

Love always,

Jim Austin, Director

423-202-1655 (cell)

Center for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines are here.

American Camp Association (ACA) Guidelines are here.

North Carolina DHHS Guidelines are here.

Avery County NC new is here.