“God’s Got This.”
An Update & A Request…
(12/1/2021)
Dear Friends:
These are such unusual days, but God is clearly at work. Please take a moment and view this 4-minute video that provides an update on life at Twin Rocks and presents a special request for help. Thanks.
Specific details about our “Lots & Losses” Campaign can be found here. THANKS! –Ken
Ken Beebe, Executive Director
Thank you, thank you, Lord.
(12/1/2021)
Dear Friends:
God is good. Despite 21 months of worldwide pandemic, the ministry of Twin Rocks Friends Camp has survived – and thrived.
At times, it has been rough. Twin Rocks closed entirely for ten of the first 13 months of COVID-19, and saw less than 30% of its typical revenue when open during summer 2020. While 2021 has fared far better than 2020, ongoing COVID-related restrictions continue to impact attendance. In total, Twin Rocks’ COVID-caused losses may reach $500,000.
Thankfully, in the midst of this we find ourselves in a season of great joy:
- Youth delighted in the 2021 return of overnight camps (not allowed in 2020), enabling summer sessions like Tween Camp, Kids Camp, and Surfside Camp to feel remarkably normal. Campers remained predominantly mask-free, thanks to great weather and a large circus-style worship tent that kept camp outdoors. Parents shared many words of praise, including these three that especially touched my heart:
– “She came from camp with more confidence as a daughter of God in what had been such a challenging year for tweens. It was a struggle to get her to leave her room in the spring but having camp to look forward to and then attend propelled her socially again. Bless you!”
– “Surfside Camp’s impact on our son was overwhelmingly positive. He was literally glowing when we picked him up from camp, bursting with stories and [he] clearly bonded with several new friends who all had experienced God in a unique way together.”
– “With all of the craziness of the world, our faith conversations sometimes do not get the attention they deserve. The camp was a good (and welcome) prompt for our family.” - Family Vacation Adventures, a program invented by necessity in 2020 amidst tight COVID restrictions, returned in summer 2021 and again blessed families with unique opportunities to play, worship, explore, and create family memories together. Several attendees voiced their hope that Family Vacation Adventures might continue post-COVID, and a 4th of July version is already in the works for 2022.
- To our knowledge, Twin Rocks has not contributed to COVID-19’s spread. We feel most fortunate, knowing that each COVID-free day is a gift from the Lord. (We have experienced several “near misses,” such as when a cabin counselor arrived sick with COVID, but thankfully, this counselor and their close contacts left to quarantine before campers arrived, and the camp session proceeded normally.)
- A year ago, we predicted that Twin Rocks would likely lose $1.3 million due to COVID-19 during the combined 2020 and 2021 years. Despite the fact that COVID has lingered far beyond expectations, as mentioned above we now believe our COVID losses will total less than $500,000. Such a deficit is far from good news, but the camp is weathering this crisis thanks to more than $500,000 in previously unpledged gifts from 369 kindhearted families, several state and federal grants, and better-than-anticipated summertime attendance (nearly 80 percent of normal).
- Nearly all Twin Rocks’ staff members forced into layoff a year ago graciously returned to work in the spring, and the camp currently has 18 staff who have been at the camp for five years or more. Similarly, dozens of volunteers from Twin Rocks’ historic slate of leaders returned to provide guidance to 2021’s summer camps, anchoring our programs in excellence.
- In a year where COVID-related issues have tested interpersonal relationships, the camp’s staff has remained remarkably free from conflict. Disagreements at times exist, but kindness and civility have triumphed. What a blessing.
- A generous planning grant from the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust is enabling Twin Rocks to look optimistically toward the future with hope and anticipation. Several intriguing elements are emerging from this unique opportunity to pause, reflect, pray, and consider how the Lord might lead our camp in a post-COVID future.
As we inch ever so slowly toward an end to COVID’s dominance, I find myself reflecting back to COVID’s stark beginnings, and the incredible uncertainties that surrounded us in early 2020. We frequently found the words of Joshua 1:9 on our lips: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Twenty-one months later, evidence of God’s miraculous presence is readily apparent. He has most certainly been with us, guiding, protecting, and blessing us each step along the way.
Thank you, thank you, Lord.
–Ken Beebe, Executive Director
We are Open!
(5/1/2021)
Twin Rocks reopened on April 22 after a seven month hiatus!* What a blessing it has been to see campers – and very happy ones! We began with a couple’s conference, followed by a father-daughter retreat and a women’s conference. It is a slow reopening, with fewer-than-normal campers and careful attention to Oregon’s COVID-19 restrictions requiring facemasks, social distancing, and cohorts of 30 or fewer campers. We are so grateful to be at this stage in the life of the COVID crisis, believing we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you, Lord, for campers!
–Ken Beebe, Executive Director
*Our Harbor Villa Retreat Center remained slightly open throughout the winter.
Ready for Summer!
(3/19/2021)
After a long and empty winter, Twin Rocks is set to reopen! We learned this week that the State of Oregon will allow overnight camps for kids and youth in summer 2021. Unlike 2020, this summer Twin Rocks will offer Tween Camp, Surfside Camp, and Kids Camp (combining the traditional Boys & Girls Camps). Similar to 2020, we will also offer multiple weeks of Day Camp and the made-to-order Family Vacation Adventures. All camps will, of course, operate under COVID-19 safety protocols.
In concert with reopening, we are in the process of reconvening our staff team (and hiring a few new members), after a long layoff. Gratefully, most Twin Rocks staff members are ready and available to return.
God’s goodness is so readily apparent.
–Ken Beebe, Executive Director
Hitting the Pause Button…
(9/19/2020 Update – and revised 12/23/2020)
Dear Friends of Twin Rocks:
After a wonderfully successful summer, it is time to hit the pause button.
For the next several months, Twin Rocks will discontinue most operations, awaiting a time when COVID and safety restrictions reduce enough for campers to attend camp comfortably. Only a skeleton crew of staff remains at camp, but we look forward to ramping back up as soon as circumstances allow, which we anticipate occurring sometime in 2021. (Please be praying for a spring 2021 reopening. A successful summer season seems essential. THANKS!)
Two notable exceptions exist to this temporary shutdown:
- Harbor Villa Retreat Center remains open. The camp’s Harbor Villa beachfront cabins (located a mile north of the main camp) remain viable during COVID, given their size and in-house kitchens. (December Update: Increased COVID restrictions have narrowed Harbor Villa’s available offerings.)
- Childcare program opens for school-aged kids. Local families asked Twin Rocks to establish TRAILS, an all-day childcare program for local kids engaged in online distance learning. This program piggybacks on the summer’s popular Day Camps and serves 30 Tillamook County children each day. (December Update: The TRAILS program concluded in mid-November, following a reduction in the community’s need.)
Financially, this has been a difficult year for Twin Rocks, but in the midst of adversity, we have so many reasons to be thankful:
- A Wonderful Summer of Ministry. Despite a ban on 2020 overnight kids camps, ministry this summer exceeded expectations. We hosted seven weeks of family camps (including two specifically for families affected by disability) and five weeks of Day Camp. Day Camps offered Twin Rocks an enhanced opportunity to introduce Jesus to local kids.
- A Major Gift to Oceanfront Lots. A longtime friend of the camp donated $250,000 to facilitate purchase of oceanfront lots near the camp’s entry. This generous gift leaves just $220,000 yet to raise by 2022 to finalize this purchase.
- $100,000 in Gifts to Combat COVID Losses. More than 150 families combined to contribute nearly $100,000, providing a tremendous boost to Twin Rocks in the midst of COVID’s unique trial. (December Update: $130,000 received from 210 families! We are seeking $45,000 more in year-end giving, for $175,000 total in 2020.)
The overall health of Twin Rocks remains strong, but very large losses appear inevitable in 2020 and 2021. If you are able, a contribution to Twin Rocks at this time would provide enormous help. Thanks.
Gratefully,
Ken Beebe, Executive Director
Summer Camps Underway! (6/19/2020 Update)
Dear Friends of Twin Rocks:
Today we wrapped up a wonderful week of Day Camp! These 60 kids represent the first Twin Rocks campers in three months (last year we saw 4,600 campers during the same three months). This has been a smile-filled week – from campers, staff, and parents alike!
Next week 130 kids are vying for 100 available slots.
Family Vacation Adventures await us in July and August! These unique, personalized camps will allow families to get outdoors and enjoy time together amid a wide range of fun camp activities. We are quite excited about this new program and its unique potential.
While discouraged by the forced cancellation of our overnight kids/youth camps, we are finding great joy in the prospect of meaningfully ministry to summertime families.
We are thanking the Lord for His goodness.
–Ken Beebe, Executive Director
Overnight Summer Youth Camps Canceled
(6/4/2020 Update)
Dear Friends of Twin Rocks:
We are deeply saddened by the news that the State of Oregon will not permit overnight camps for children and youth to operate during summer 2020. Our hearts go out to our campers, as we know that this will be disheartening for each of them (and our staff!), as we continue on this long and arduous COVID-19 journey. That said, we are grateful for the care for camper safety identified by those at the Oregon Health Authority and Governor’s Office.
Twin Rocks remains able to operate Day Camps for kids/youth, so we have added two Day Camp sessions in late June and may expand these offerings later in the summer.
Family Camping. We have also gratefully learned that families desiring to rent Twin Rocks’ cabins will be able to so. Family camping guidelines are not yet final, but please check back with us, as we are eager to serve families this summer in this meaningful way.
Today I am reminded of the words of an old hymn:
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love
Thank you, Lord, for being our anchor, even in the face of fierce storms.
God’s still got this.
–Ken Beebe, Executive Director
A Speed Bump in Our Summer Camp Plans…
May 15, 2020
Twin Rocks’ summer camp plans slowed today when we learned that at this time, Governor Brown’s summer camp guidelines do not permit overnight camps. This news came as somewhat of a surprise, as the final draft of the guidelines issued last week indicated that both day camps and overnight camps would immediately be cleared to operate (with safety restrictions). We are eager for overnight camps to reopen, but only when experts and authorities deem it safe, and we are sympathetic with those tasked with making these difficult decisions.
Instead, at this point, Twin Rocks can operate Day Camps, and we’ve scheduled two great Day Camps in late June.
The summertime status of overnight camps is uncertain, though we remain hopeful that restrictions will be eased prior to July 1’s start to our traditional slate of overnight camps. We will keep you posted as we learn more.
In the meantime, please register for camp! For registration and details about Day Camp, Boys Camp, Girls Camp, Tween Camp, and Surfside Camp, please click here. Safety guidelines will likely cap these camps at 100 campers each, so early registrations are encouraged. Refunds will be made in full if camp is cancelled.
Our summer camp season will certainly look different from prior summers, as dozens of new safety procedures will be in place to fully comply with State restrictions.
Earlier today, acting independently from one another, two Twin Rocks staff members reminded me, “God’s got this!” What a blessing it is to lean on the Lord, knowing that whatever future we face, it’s fully in His hands.
Please join me in prayer for our summer camp season and our campers.
Ken Beebe, Executive Director
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AN APPEAL. Many have recently contributed generously to Twin Rocks in this time of great need. Thank you! Before this is over, Twin Rocks will undergo 13 straight weeks without any campers, followed by a summer with less than 50% of its normal attendance. If you are able, we would be grateful if you would mail in a check or use the “Donate” button below. Thanks.
May 11, 2020
Dear Friends of Twin Rocks:
We are cautiously rejoicing, as last week Oregon Governor Brown gave priority to summer camps in her Coronavirus re-opening guidelines. It appears that kids/youth camps can largely proceed according to plan, and on their originally scheduled dates.
We are encouraging people to register soon, as each camp will likely cap at 100 campers* in order to meet anticipated physical distancing requirements. Summer camp in 2020 will look somewhat different from prior summers, as dozens of new safety procedures will be in place to fully comply with State restrictions.
Like always, fun, adventure, worship, and a great dose of God’s beautiful creation await our campers this summer! For registration and details about Day Camp, Boys Camp, Girls Camp, Tween Camp, and Surfside Camp, please click here.
(While we are optimistic, we remain aware that circumstances may still dictate that we cancel camps, or travel restrictions could potentially preclude children from some geographic regions from journeying to Twin Rocks. If so, registration fees will be refunded in full.)
* Governor Brown’s camp guidelines do not permit large group gatherings. As such, all camp activities will take place in groups of 10. For the entire week of camp, each group of 10 campers will operate independently and remain at a safe distance from every other group of 10. At Twin Rocks, we see this as a very different – but workable – means of enjoying camp.
GUEST GROUP RENTALS. The summertime status of guest rental groups will vary group by group, as Twin Rocks seeks to safely and fully comply with restrictions set forth by the State of Oregon. For questions and assistance, please contact Guest Services Director Tiffany Van Dame: guestservices@twinrocks.org or 503-355-2284.
Overall, Twin Rocks remains healthy, but looks to face unprecedented financial losses this year. Therefore, please consider using the yellow “Donate” button at the bottom of this page. Thanks!
God continues to be so very good. Please continue to pray for this camp, that we would enjoy a fabulous, and safe, summer of ministry.
Blessings.
–Ken Beebe, Executive Director
