May 22, 2020
IMPORTANT SUMMER 2020 ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear Friends,
As many of you have most likely read, the Ontario Government announced this week that all overnight camps are cancelled for summer 2020. Due to the nature of our programs working with youth in both a camp and wilderness setting, this mandate includes Coldwater Canada. For the safety of our participants, families, staff and community we are cancelling all Coldwater Canada programs for Summer 2020. It goes without saying that we are saddened by this decision but understand that the government is doing what is necessary in this season.
To those registered for a 2020 summer program and/or their parents, you will be receiving a separate email with additional information. Please let us know if you have any questions.
To those who were going to participate, we were excited to have you join us! We were looking forward to seeing you deepen your trust in Jesus, to see your character formed, relationships built, and leaders developed. One of the simplest definitions of adventure we know is any experience where the outcome is unknown. We have learned that the way you navigate through adventure has a huge impact on the process and outcome. So, as we are living an adventure right now, we are choosing to keep our eyes on Jesus and encourage you to do the same.
We are choosing to remain hopeful. Many times on Coldwater Canada trips we have paddled through areas burnt by forest fires. Immediately after the fire there is a clear absence of plants and animals. However, if you paddle through the same area the next year it is incredibly green, full of flowers and delicious berries - full of life! This is our prayer in this season.
We will have more ministry updates as they are available.
Blessings,
Matt Gray
Coldwater Canada Director
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March 24, 2020
Dear Friends,
We pray you are well, and that you are choosing to live with hope and wisdom in these changing times. Like you, we are adapting to the new realities of living in the times of COVID-19. Friends, this is a season that we will make it through!
We wanted to update you on how Coldwater Canada is responding to the COVID-19 virus and the stipulations that the government is putting out. Here are a few things we are doing:
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As a team, we are constantly monitoring the COVID-19 situation and are adapting how we work, plan, and lead. We are all practicing social distancing and are following the health standards put out by the government. We encourage you to do the same.
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Our Spring Programs, predominantly our April backpacking trip with Redeemer's Act Five program, have been cancelled. We are hopeful that we will be able to take this adventure with Act Five next year.
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As of now, our Summer Programs are still planning to run. However, we expect that there will be changes. We will continue to see how things in Ontario progress in the coming weeks and will notify you of changes and implications as soon as decisions are made.
We believe that right now, leaders who are rooted in Jesus are needed more than ever. Maybe you hear that and wonder "how do I lead when I am stuck at home?" A definition of a Christian leader that I like is “a servant who uses his or her credibility and capabilities to influence people...to pursue their God-given direction” (Aubury Malphurs). Notice a few keywords that jump out: servant, capabilities, influence people, God-given direction.
We live in a time where we can have an impact, even when we are self-isolating at home. We can still serve, use our capabilities to influence people, bringing hope and pointing people to Jesus.
For those of you who have been on a Coldwater trip or in one of our leadership programs, let me remind you of a few things:
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You have faced challenges and adversity before. We have seen many of you embrace grit, display resiliency, and discover that with God you can do way more than you thought you could.
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Mindset and posture is a choice. There is no doubt that this is and will be hard for the world. Will we approach this season with a mindset of fear, worry, anger and selfishness OR could we approach it with a mindset and posture of hope, trust, courage, patience, and love - a mindset of resiliency?
Praying for you all in this season. Do not hesitate to reach out with questions. We will post updates to this page as they are available.
Blessings,
Matt Gray
Coldwater Canada Director