GVRC – COVID-19 UPDATE:  MAY 28, 2020

Dear GVRC Family.

It is with a heavy heart that we need to inform you that we will not be able to have the 2020 Genesee Valley Rotary Camp.

Following the decision made by the Iroquois Trail Council (BSA) to not open Camp Sam Wood this summer, along with our many concerns for how we’d be able to safely have GVRC with so many factors to consider; it was decided by our Board of Directors and Administration, that we will not have GVRC this year.

Even if we were able to use Camp Sam Wood, given all that would need to happen to have our camp operate, GVRC would be nearly impossible. The idea of maintaining safe practices given the conditions of tent camping, a crowded dining hall, the requirements of distancing and wearing masks, among other important factors, especially considering our population that includes individuals with compromised immune systems, makes this decision difficult and upsetting, but the right one at this time. The safety and well-being of our campers and staff has always been our main concern and our decision is being made with that specifically in mind.

The thought of our GVRC family being reunited in 2021 will be something to truly look forward to and cherish. We know that we don’t always really appreciate something until it’s gone. So we hope you plan on returning to the Genesee Valley Rotary Camp in August, 2021. We will be sure to remain in communication with our campers and families, as we not only move through this difficult summer, but to prepare for and look forward to next year’s camp.

We hope our former campers keep GVRC in their thoughts as a positive spirit to guide them through these challenging times. We hope they remain in touch with their camp friends and staff members for support and please reach out to us, if we can help any of our campers understand and get through this difficult decision. We hope to somehow bring some smiles to their beautiful faces this summer and please let them know we miss and love them and that we can’t wait to see them back at GVRC in August, 2021!

Here Is Love!

Brian Bartalo; Camp Director
Mark Van Durme; Camp Co-Director
Jan Green; Camp Health Director
The GVRC Board of Directors