The health and safety of our staff, campers and communities have always been our first priority.  Due to the uncertainties surrounding Covid-19 we have made the decision not to continue with our 2020 summer camp programs and will resume our traditional summer camp programming in 2021.  This is a decision that was not easy to make and we understand it will be disappointing to our camp community but we felt it was the best course of action for our camp.

We considered many different possibilities as this pandemic evolved including adjusting activities, lowering enrollment to create smaller groups, changing how we serve meals and many more.  The hope was we could provide a safe and meaningful program for our campers and staff.

Ultimately we determined that we could not offer a program that met our criteria for safety and impact which is ultimately what makes Mystic Lake so special.  Camp is a place to accelerate social interaction to help build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.  This happens when campers and staff  spend time living, working and playing together primarily in close proximity to one another.

We are looking forward to gathering again for campfire next summer and look forward to seeing all of you!

Mystic Lake YMCA Camp, like many nonprofit organizations, is preparing to experience significant hardships in addition to those already realized. Second only to everyone’s health and safety, we aim to position the future of our operations in a fiscally responsible manner and continue offering incredible outdoor education and recreation programs that positively impact lives. However, we also understand that many of our camp families are preparing to embrace and face their own financial challenges.

For those of you that have registered for summer camp and have paid full or partial programming fees please complete this form by June 30^th which will present with the following options.

1. Support Mystic Lake by donating all of the amount already paid for camp

2. Support Mystic Lake by donating a portion of the amount already paid for camp
3. Receive a credit to your account for any YMCA of Lansing program/membership or future MLC offerings

4. Receive a full refund for the amount paid

Any questions about these options can be directed to Ricky Wright- 517.827.9655 or rwright@ymcaoflansing.org

Please allow up to 4 weeks for a refund.  All refunds will be issued by check.

If we do not hear from you by June 30^th we will automatically credit your account.

We are beyond grateful to the members of our community – our alumni, guests, camper families, volunteers, and staff – who have recognized the challenges a crisis like this can pose to a human services organization regardless of their own hardships that they may be facing.  Every bit can make a difference.  Our staff team has invested a lot of time and resources into making the summer of 2020 happen and these expenses cannot be undone.  For those that are able and interested, please make a gift here .Our needs will be evolving but please know that your gift will be used to help children, families and the organization!  THANK YOU for your support of children and families during these uncertain times.

Due to the new regulations of the CARES act, your donation may be subject to a 100% “above the line” tax deduction for your 2020 income tax. You will be provided with a donation receipt if you choose this route or make any donation to Mystic Lake YMCA Camp. (Please consult your tax advisor for more details on this.

Unprecedented times often call for extraordinary actions, and the Y has a history of responding in powerful, transforming ways.  Recognized as one of the strongest community service organizations in the area the Y was prepared when called upon to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.  The Y is proud to respond to the ever-changing needs in the area.  While services are developing and growing each day, early examples of service include:

• Child and Family Meal Sites: When schools closed many children and families lost access to healthy meals. The Y quickly partnered with Lansing School District-Sodexo Magic and the City of Lansing to distribute essential food at drive-up & pick up locations M-F with food packages available Saturday-Sunday. As of May 11^th we have served more than 60,000 meals and this number grows by nearly 1,000 each day. 

• Virtual Programming and Social Connectivity:  The Y is staying committed to our communities health and wellness in these times of physical isolation by providing free online fitness classes for everyone through YMCA360.org led by Y professionals. Classes are designed for all age groups including a special section for senior citizens.

• Virtual Learning Opportunities:  The Y has developed YMCA@Home website where anyone can access free kid friendly learning resources for families to stay happy, active and connected while at home.  New items are added to the website weekly.

• Mystic@Home: We launched our Mystic@Home webpage which is packed with fun outdoor activities to keep kids engaged and connected to the out-of-doors.

• Blood Donation Station:  The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe shortage of lifesaving blood. The Y has set up blood donation stations at our locations and will continue to do so to during this time. 

Camp is a special place.  Many of our campers count down the days to next year as they are leaving at the end of their session in the current year.  Feeling sad about not being able to come to camp this year is normal!  We feel the same way.  Here are some helpful resources. 

https://reformjudaism.org/blog/2020/04/30/how-talk-your-kids-about-canceled-summer-plans

https://www.app.com/story/life/2020/03/13/coronavirus-how-talk-your-kids-disappointment-everything-canceled/5037133002/

If you are a participant, please contact your group leader for more information.  If you are a group leader, please contact Ricky Wright for more information about options that may be available for your group.  Ricky can be reached at rwright@ymcaoflansing.org

We will continue to monitor the situation to make final decisions about fall programming.  At this time we anticipate being able to provide fall programming.

Camp is a special place for all of us.  We understand your desire to come and visit.  For the safety of our staff and the protection of the property we ask that you contact us to discuss if it is possible to visit. 

Yes, but with limited staff working from home. It may take longer than our usual 1-2 business days to return calls and emails at this time.

Please use the following contact information until further notice: 

Ricky Wright, Executive Director         (517)827-9655               rwright@ymcaoflansing.org