BOEC’s COVID-19 RESPONSE

BOEC Summer Programs

During this past month, we have looked closely at what we do as an organization, how we do it and at those we so devotedly serve. What we know for certain is that based on the honest assessment of those three key elements, which essentially is who we are, and the reality of the risks associated with the COVID-19 environment, we cannot move forward with business as usual this summer while ensuring the health and safety of our participants, staff and volunteers. For that reason, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel specific components of summer programming and will, over the coming weeks, be evaluating what might be possible.

Programs that are immediately affected by this decision include the cancellation of the summer Internship Program, all residential programs held at the Scott Griffith Lodge in Breckenridge, and all camping and mobile programs. BOEC team members have contacted those immediately affected by this decision and we are grateful for their understanding and continued partnership as we navigate this new reality together.

Virtual and Local Programs

In an effort to continue serving those we care about so deeply we will be launching a series of fun, interactive and engaging virtual games, lessons and programs in the coming weeks. We are working closely with program partners who regularly bring groups to BOEC for days of summer fun and engagement, to put together programs that will meet the needs of their clients.

We have also been asked by local community program leaders and officials to leverage our staff’s skills and expertise in helping to meet the critical local needs of teens, children, and those with special needs or other challenges, all of whom are being hit unusually hard by social isolation, the loss of routine and of so many other activities that until now we have all taken for granted. We are currently collaborating with local providers to determine how we can support this effort and to decide what types of programs BOEC will provide.

Next Steps

As I’m sure you can imagine, this has been a painful decision to make but we know there is a silver lining on the horizon. I am incredibly proud of the BOEC team for their dedication to our mission, their commitment to ensuring that decisions made are based on facts and information available to us and to stay focused on the welfare of those we care so deeply about.

We will continue to monitor the evolving environment, county and local guidelines and the demand for local programs over the coming weeks. It is our hope that in addition to the newly developed virtual offerings we will be able to provide small group programs that align with community needs during this unprecedented time.

BOEC’s Future and How You Can Help

You should also know that we are doing all we can to mitigate the pandemic’s enormous hit to our bottom line and to protect and steward what each of you have helped us to build. We are looking at a low six-figure deficit due to loss of program revenues from both an early end to the winter season and the loss of Wilderness Program revenues.

We have had to reduce staff and other expenses and postponed needed repairs and capital projects. We have canceled fundraising events and are hopeful that the 11th Annual Tee It Up Golf Scramble will still go on as scheduled August 24th. We are looking at every detail of our operation and will do what it takes to stay financially healthy throughout this challenging time in order to continue to meet the needs of those we serve.

But we are going to need your help. I know you have been extraordinarily generous to the BOEC in the past and for that, I am profoundly grateful. If there is any way you can afford a special contribution to BOEC at this time, we could now use your help. Your contribution will help us to provide virtual programs at no cost, to expand our programming to support the needs of our local vulnerable populations, and ensure we are able to keep our valuable staff in place. You can click here to make your donation online or send a check to the address that appears below.

Thank you for standing by BOEC when we need you most. Our big, extended family of staff and volunteers do amazing work for the people who depend on us on a daily basis. But none of it would be possible without you. Please stay safe and healthy. The moment our plans take shape for reopening later in the season, I will reach out to you with an update.

With gratitude,

Sonya Norris
Executive Director
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center