Program Updates

CORONAVIRUS The Volunteer Program has adapted throughout the pandemic in order to keep our volunteers as safe as possible. A number of safety protocols have been put into place such as daily sanitization, testing after travel, masks, daily temperature logs, and state-provided guidance like grocery pickups instead of in-person shopping. We have also encouraged discussions about risk tolerance as our volunteers navigate personal choices that affect community like social/religious activities.

CAMP REPAIR AND CAMP SEASON UPDATES Camp Shawnee was closed in the fall of 2018 because of a mudslide and road slip that worsened over the winter. In March 2019, the announcement was made that regular programming at Shawnee would not happen that summer. Although traditional camp was not a possibility, two day camps were held at local schools and two overnight teen weeks were held at CAP’s Foley Mission Center. Throughout the following years plans were made and funds were raised to be able to make the needed repairs. We are happy to announce that thanks to our generous donors and determined staff members, the Camp Shawnee hillside and road project repairs have been completed.

As the 2021 camp season approaches, we are looking to build on the success of last year’s “Camp in a Box” at-home camp option. We are also hoping to engage volunteers in camp opportunities, while continuing to keep the health and safety of campers and staff as our highest priority.

WORKFEST AND YOUTHFEST As schools and universities rearrange their academic calendars to accomodate virtual education, spring breaks have been eliminated, making our traditional WorkFest and YouthFest seasons impossible. CAP is adapting by opening up to other groups and continuing to welcome individual skilled carpenters and cooks.

GROUPS Becky Neuenschwander will be transitioning from Sandy Valley Region Volunteer Life manager to Groups manager, and overseeing the Groups program CAP-wide. As the Groups manager she will lead and supervise all staff in both regions working and serving in the Groups program.

VOLUNTEER LIFE Our traditional Volunteer Life manager position in each region will convert to a Volunteer Life coordinator position in each region. Jenny King will be transitioning from Volunteer Life manager to Volunteer Life coordinator in the Cumberland Valley Region and Betsie Carroll will continue her work as Volunteer Life coordinator in the Sandy Valley Region. They will lead and oversee all things Volunteer Life including all CAP volunteers and AmeriCorps members living both in our volunteer houses and the local community.