Faced with a $100,000 budget shortfall due to cancellations of summer camps and group outings this year because of COVID-19 concerns, Crooked Creek Christian Camp has wrapped up its first-ever online fundraising auction.

Executive Director Heather Bender says they raised $25,913 thanks to tremendous support from those who donated and bid on the items. She says the results speak to how much people missed coming to the camp south of Washington, “We definitely heard from people that (said) they would miss us this year and hope that they could be back next summer. This is a place not only for kids for summer camps, but all the different people that come to camp to refresh or to renew or for a retreat. When you miss out on something like that it can be a real disappointment.”

Bender says they have not yet determined if they will conduct the online auction again next year, but they’re leaning towards bringing it back. She says one event that won’t occur in 2021 is their annual Winterfest in January for junior high students which has been cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. However, Bender says they are available to host group outings for those who feel comfortable coming to Crooked Creek.

Donations can be made at Crooked Creek Christian Camp.