Summer 2020 at Bay Lake Camp

COVID-19 Forces Change During Our 94th Year 

Bay Lake Camp has made the decision to cancel the 2020 Summer Camp Season. While this has been a very difficult decision, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the concerns for the care and safety of all who would come to the island, we believe this to be our best and safest option. Over the last several weeks, we have been in communication with many of our large summer groups and most have already decided to cancel their weeks of camp and/or book later dates. We believe it will be critical for the safety of many of the vulnerable populations we serve, to maintain physical distancing. This will be a necessary sacrifice for all of us to make for the sake of others and is at the core of what we believe and who we are as an organization.

We are declaring the Summer of 2020 at Bay Lake Camp a time for Planting Seeds of Hope,                                               not just for the future but for this present moment. 
  • We will pursue initiatives and innovations and seek out new partners in our vision and mission.
  • While we will not experience in-person worship at the outdoor chapel, we will provide online worship tools and ways to enjoy the island - occasional livestream worship, singing around the campfire, hiking a virtual path and a virtual labyrinth walk you can enjoy anytime online. There will also be some online printable tools for download (a Bay Lake Camp Journal and a worship bulletin for “at the cabin” worship). Look for these on our website and Facebook page.
  • While we will not be spending our time this summer managing day-to-day programmatic operations, we will be using this time to work on needed projects and care for the island grounds with limited opportunities for small groups of 10 or less people.
  • While the Island Cafe will not be open and our Pizza Nights will take a hiatus, we will grow food in our gardens to share with many in need and the “Island Trekker” Blog on our website will include island recipes and links to the many ways to enjoy God’s creation outdoors wherever you are. Limited space will be available later in the summer season and early fall for our Harvest Dinners —fireside family meal made to order—watch for details.
Finally, we are asking that in this time of hopeful seed planting, you will still give to the ministry of Bay Lake Camp as we seek to continue creating sacred space and time away for a world in need of healing.  Thank you.                                                                                                                                                    
Please contact Camp Director, Brenda Olson Bingea, 651-247-0360 or brendajolson@me.com             with any questions. Like us on Facebook: Bay Lake Island Camp