Five Pines Ministries campgrounds are scheduled to reopen July 13. | Canva
Five Pines Ministries campgrounds are scheduled to reopen July 13. | Canva
State Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township) toured Five Pines Ministries summer day camp ahead of its highly anticipated reopening, according to MiSenateGOP.
The reopening was scheduled for July 13, and LaSata toured the grounds with Executive Director Nate Parsons just days before.
“I appreciate Nate taking the time to provide a tour of his facilities and to discuss the camp’s reopening plans and safety guidelines they’ve established for campers amid the coronavirus outbreak,” said LaSata, according to MiSenateGOP. “Five Pines camp is a family tradition that spans generations, and it is great they are able to still provide this summer experience for youth this year.”
Sen. Kim LaSata
| Michigan House Republicans
Because of COVID-19, the camp has adopted several changes amid its reopening. There will not be any overnight stays this year, and camp groups can now be no larger than ten people. They have also asked camp participants to bring a face mask and be diligent about handwashing. Surface sanitization has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
While there are lots of changes this time around, campers can still enjoy the traditional activities Five Pines Ministries has offered in the past like Bible lessons, nature experiences and relationship-building activities with counselors and fellow campers.
The camp has also updated attendees and parents on changes related to coronavirus on its website.
A letter from Parsons on Five Pines' website reads: “We are striving to provide the normal fun and encouraging programming you expect from Five Pines in our new COVID-19 pandemic environment. We are moving forward respecting COVID-19 but not fearing it. Per CDC and state guidelines, we are employing social-distancing techniques, washing hands often (campers, too) and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily.”
He added that the camp is cooperating with the Berrien County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and other officials to comply with guidelines.
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