COVID-19 & Camp FAQ

COVID-19 & Summer Camp FAQ

*** Summer camp 2021 will be here soon! Please sign up for First Look emails to get updates on when registration will open ***

With a heavy heart, the staff and board of Camp Pecometh made the difficult decision to suspend day and overnight camp programs for the 2020 summer season. Please watch this video from our Executive Director and Camp Programs Coordinator for our full announcement, or read our blog for the transcript.

We've tried to anticipate your questions and aim to answer FAQs here, and we are happy to answer additional questions via email or chat during our usual weekday office hours.

Which programs are affected?

All day and overnight camp programs originally scheduled from June 15 through August 7 have been cancelled.

What happens to the fees I've already paid to camp?

We are committed to full refunds of fees paid to camp, as we recognize that many families are experiencing financial uncertainty and hardship at this time. Please contact us to let us know if you would like to:

receive a full refund of all fees paid;
roll over fees paid to the 2021 camp season; or
make a tax-deductible donation of all or any portion of fees to support the continued mission of Pecometh.

Families who choose to donate or roll over their fees will have the opportunity to register for the 2021 season early at 2020 rates. We thank you for both your understanding and your generosity at this time.

When do I need to decide by?

We hope to refund all families before the end of July. To help us meet that goal, it would be helpful to us to hear from you by June 30.

Refunds and fund transfers must be requested before December 1, 2020. All unaddressed funds will be processed as a donation at that time.

When and how can I expect my refund?

Requests will be fulfilled in the order they arrive and refunds will be issued by check starting in mid-June. We hope to issue all refund checks within 4-6 weeks of requests. If you would prefer to receive your refund another way, or are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic and need an expedited refund, please contact us.

What if my camper received a campership, Spain Grant, or an agency or third party paid for part of camp?

We will refund camper families only the portion of registration fees paid by the household. Pecometh camperships and Spain Grants will be held for future summers. The Registrar will check our payment records to ensure refunds are made to the correct party, but please help us by contacting us if your camper's fees were paid by multiple individuals or organizations.

What if I roll over fees and my camper can't attend in 2021?

We will provide full refunds of transferred fees until January 1, 2021. At that point, we will revert to our normal refunding policy.

Will I receive confirmation if I choose to donate part or all of my fees?

Yes! If you choose to donate, you will receive a written confirmation of your tax deductible gift and a special thank you from our team.

What about summer staff?

Our camp staff are amazing. They truly bring the "magic" to camp and we are sad that we won't be working with them this summer. Staff who were offered positions for the summer of 2020 but will not be able to serve will have a position available for them in 2021. There will be a short reapplication form to confirm availability and position preferences, as well as to reaffirm suitability for employment.

Will we be able to come to Pecometh at all this summer?

YES! Summer camp and many Pecometh programs may not be happening this summer, but that doesn't mean Pecometh will be closed. With the support of our donors and creativity of our staff and community, we are working on alternative plans to welcome families, individuals, and groups on site. You can learn more on our Summer Activities page. Please remember that Pecometh is private property, and registration is required for all guests who are not part of a group reservation or retreat program.

For now, retreat facilities are available in compliance with Maryland's phased reopening, and we are ready with practices and procedures in place to provide safe hospitality in accordance with state guidelines. As more guidelines and new executive orders become available, we will be able to make decisions about Pecometh's other programming and facilities. Continue to check our Coronavirus Update Blog for the latest information.

Will Pecometh be okay financially? Is the ministry at risk with all this lost income?

We are not at risk for the time being, thanks to the support of our generous donors. Pecometh also received Paycheck Protection Program funding on April 27. Many of our typical expenses have been reduced, but not eliminated.

We don’t yet know how the economic implications of COVID-19 will impact camp or our supporters. We do know that God has made provisions for Pecometh to provide sanctuary for God-inspired, life-changing experiences for over 74 years, and we have faith that God will continue to provide for us through the support of the Pecometh family and the creativity and dedication of our staff. Of course, we welcome donations to help us live out our mission. Every donation is a blessing to the continuation of our ministry.

I can't make a donation. How else can I help support Pecometh right now?

Lift Pecometh and our staff in your prayers! Although the decision about summer camp has been made, we will continue to face many tough decisions in the coming weeks and months. Pray faithfully and, as we teach our campers, creatively. Whether it is alone or with others, out loud or in your heart, with words or art or music, in a building made for worship or in God's own Creation: your prayers are worthy and welcome.

I have more questions. How do I get in touch?

The majority of our staff are working from home at this time. If you call the office and leave a message, it might take some time to get back to you. The best way to get in touch is to use our Contact Us page (anytime), our chat function (normal business hours), or directly contact the staff member you'd like to reach - check our Staff Directory. We're happy to help!

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