The 2020 season has been very unique. We officially cancelled all youth summer camps for summer 2020 and began to pivot to a new model. While our future is still very uncertain, we have a lot to be thankful for. Here is a quick update.
We hired 18 people back in January for the busy summer season ahead. When everything changed, we lowered our team size to 10. We still had no plans for income and decided to honor our commitment until we couldn’t afford to do so. God was good and provided a plan. We promised 20 hours per week and they are averaging 30-40.
The new model is survive. When summer camps cancelled, we gathered our core staff and developed a plan. We did a trial week of RVs/Camping sites for the public. It took off and in 1 month we received 122 requests for campsites and RV spaces. We began opening our cabins as well which are filling up fast. We also connected with 10 long-term guests who will help our monthly bottom line for the foreseeable future.
During the main stay-at-home time of Covid-19, we received the PPP loan, EIDL Grant, and almost $45,000 in donations. We put our team to work immediately on projects we never would have had time to complete. We finished the commercial kitchen upgrade in June. We built a commercial playground by the pool in July. We added irrigation lines, sand volleyball, full basketball court, new fencing, new grass and new benches to the Fun Zone Pool Area. We worked hard, paid our staff and made the camp even better.
In late July, we began offering swim lessons, private swim sessions and community swim slots. We have met hundreds of people that didn’t know there was a beautiful camp on the mountain in Cle Elum. Everyone is doing a great job staying in family units and staying a safe distance apart. Donna and her team of lifeguards have been exceptional in providing safe, quality time in the pool.
With all this being said, we are still very nervous for the future. There is a lot of uncertainty and with the new changes to Phases in Washington, we fear the unknown. As always, if you are able to help us continue to operate at a high level and provide a space for generations to come, consider supporting us financially or with your time and talents. God Bless everyone and stay safe.
