It is with a heavy heart that we make this announcement: Due to the impacts of the Hermit’s Peak and Calf Canyon fires, we are suspending events that were scheduled to take place at El Porvenir Christian Camp from now through July 31st, 2022. At this point in time, all events taking place on August 1st, 2022 and thereafter are still scheduled to be hosted on site as planned.
As you may be aware, the fire which began on April 6th just a mile from our buildings overran our camp during the high winds on April 29th. We are thankful that our entire staff has been safely evacuated since April 22nd. Since then, the fire has consumed over 165,000 acres, extending in all directions. From the unofficial reports we’ve been able to gather, most of the camp buildings survived the fire, though some of our older buildings were destroyed. The most crushing blow is that the bridge on National Forest land which provides access to the camp has been destroyed, along with much of the surrounding forest. Electric service and communications infrastructure throughout the area has also been disrupted, and the last mile of road to the camp has become treacherous due to the destabilization of the steep slope above it. There are likely many damages that we are not yet aware of.
Once we are allowed to return and the situation stabilizes, we expect the cleanup and restoration process to take some time. Given the timing of this catastrophe, we do not believe that we can deliver on our commitment to provide a safe camping experience over the next couple months.
The future of El Porvenir is strong, the destruction of some structures at camp will make way for newer and better facilities for campers in the future. We will rebuild what we have lost. The trees will begin to grow back. The mountain will be green again in time. El Porvenir will continue to be an extraordinary place where God changes lives, and we joyfully anticipate being your ministry partner in the years ahead.
Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership.
Sincerely,
Nate Stafford
Executive Director
El Porvenir Christian Camp and Retreat Center
Nate,
Thank you for all the times you’ve allowed me to park at your camp while I camped overnight up at Hermit’s peak. I’m thankful you and your staff are safe and pray that in time, the rebuilding process will allow for a the continuance of camp activities.
Rick Love, Lubbock TX