DYR 2020 Canceled
/DYR is being canceled for 2020
Due to the new restrictions announced over the weekend and the urging from the CDC to not hold gatherings over 50 people for 8 weeks, we have decided it is in everyone's best interest to go ahead and cancel the retreat.
This may come as a relief or as a shock. I hope that you can understand the reasoning behind this decision, and please know that it was not made hastily.
We spent a good amount of time talking with the district youth leadership, parents, students, and many others. We also spoke with Dan Lawrence, the IW to Paris, France. As you can imagine, he was able to share quite a bit of information with us about what this illness looks like and how the government's actions aid and or hurt the relief effort.
We also looked at the actions of the individual states and schools. There are multiple bans on travel and gathering happening in all 3 states and DC, combined with the closing of schools. Many students are losing spring breaks and having to adapt to a new style of learning, with only a few months to go in the academic school year.
Lastly, we considered what Young Life was saying since the camp is a Young Life camp and follows whatever their leadership instructs in regards to closures, social gathering mandates, and exposure.
After much discussion in various meetings, we determined that the best and safest course of action was to cancel DYR 2020 for this year.
Our plan is to continue meeting in the weeks ahead and plan for a different gathering but one that maintains the high energy atmosphere we all look forward to. Location, times and outline are still being developed and will be announced as soon as we can.
For those that have paid, refunds will be issued, but have grace as it may take a short period of time.
I want to thank the youth leaders, volunteers, and pastors that have poured out so much already for this event. Our work is not in vain and God will be glorified! I am sorry that DYR 2020 will not happen, but I am joyful that God can and will still move in the hearts of students.
Leaders, take this time to share with your students that even when things happen that derail our plans, Christ is not surprised by it and has great things in store.
And for future reference, DYR 2021 will occur April 23-25 2021.
If you have any questions, please contact me or Collin Reid.
May God bless and keep each of you,
Pastor David Chappell
