Special Statement on Summer Camps 2021

Since 2015, CKY: Canoe Kentucky Summer Camps have been one of CKY’s most successful programs, with participation growing by leaps and bounds. We feel honored to have been able to teach and learn from all the campers we have met over the years. In 2019 we offered 16 different camps, including overnight and specialty/advanced camps, and served almost 300 campers. In comparing 2019 to 2020, guidance and restrictions greatly impacted our camp capacity. We were mandated to reduce our camp numbers to a max of 10 campers per week, and were only able to offer day camps. We operated within the guidance of the American Camp Association and CDC, making 2020 a difficult year; but we considered it a success.

No one knows what 2021 has in store. We have had to take many things in to consideration when planning for CKY: Canoe Kentucky’s 2021 Camp season. This includes, one, the state of virtual learning and the current vaccine schedule. Two, the fact that our camps partner with Frankfort Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites, who currently is not planning on opening their facilities fully until July. And three, the very nature of our camps puts kids and staff in close contact with each other. Conducting camps in any way other than what we know works, changes the experience enough that it impacts our core values. These considerations and others have caused us to make the decision to NOT OFFER summer camps during the 2021 season.

We fully intend that as the world begins to get “back to normal”, our camps will be able to be offered again in the future. We hope to see some of our campers this season at CKY: Canoe Kentucky, as we will be offering rentals and other offerings on the Elkhorn Creek and the Kentucky River. We genuinely believe the outdoors is the best place to offer you and your soul rest and refreshment, and a feeling of peace.

Sincerely,

Nathan and Allison Depenbrock, Owners

Chris Howard, Outreach Coordinator

Kali Sanders, Engagement Coordinator

Chad Harp, Shop Manager

and the entire CKY: Canoe Kentucky Family.