Tuscarora and COVID-19 - The Good of those Who Love Him

Dear friend,

It has been 57 days since we last had guests on the grounds of Tuscarora. Thinking back on March 15th, and watching the Couples’ Retreat guests head home, I don’t think anyone really understood the impact COVID-19 would have. Over those 57 days Tuscarora has lost over $1,000,000 in revenue through the spring, summer, and into the fall and we anticipate that loss will continue to increase as we welcome a smaller number of guests upon reopening.

Tuscarora has been blessed to find ways to minister during this time. The Tuscarora kitchen staff has worked alongside Upper Mount Bethel Township and Rustica Artisan Catering preparing and distributing 300 meals every Tuesday and Thursday, free of charge, to our local community. We made additional meals and visited local hospitals to deliver food to nurses, doctors, and other overnight staff. While the cost of food has been generously covered by donors – Tuscarora is happy to offer up the use of our facility and staff for no cost. It is a small way for us to make a big difference to so many. A small number of first responders and medical personnel were able to self-quarantine at Tuscarora during the last few weeks. We don’t believe these guests ever tested positive for COVID-19, and though the need has come to an end we know it was greatly appreciated by those who used it.

We believe there is still a way for Tuscarora to welcome guests this summer. If official recommendations allow the re-opening of the facility safely – we plan to do so. This decision is not without its challenges. The staff is working diligently to prepare the facility for the changes we will need to implement. We are developing and will begin using disinfecting procedures after check out which ensures the safety of each new guest. Our camp programs will follow an in depth triage procedure and the number of children and teens per room will be limited. We have installed plexiglass shields in the main office, dining room, Snack Shop, and Book and Gift Shop, installed touchless faucets in the main public restrooms, and ordered additional hand sanitizing stations for around the grounds. In an effort to keep gathering numbers low, we are also installing new technology which will allow us to livestream speakers and worship from the Senum Thompson Center to meeting rooms throughout the campus.

We take our responsibility as a place of hospitality and refreshment very seriously. When we set our official reopening date we will send out a detailed communication of all new guidelines and procedures so you can visit Tuscarora or send your children to camp this summer with confidence.

There is no way to know exactly what this next season will look like in the world or at Tuscarora. The preparations mentioned above come at great expense and we are incredibly thankful to our generous donors who have carried us through so far. Though we do not know what the future holds, our hope remains the same. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Sincerely in Christ,

Brian Abrahamsen
Executive Director