Shocco Springs adjusting in wake of COVID-19 pandemic

Thousands of students each summer attend camps and retreats held at Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center each year.

But in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, event leaders are facing difficult decisions. Because the landscape of the pandemic is constantly changing, many camp leaders are still undecided about this summer’s events even as spring events are on hold.

Russell Klinner, executive director of Shocco Springs, said one of the hardest parts of the current situation is seeing the camp’s grounds empty.

“We have 800 acres, and it’s a beautiful setting,” Klinner said. “The azaleas are blooming, and the dogwoods are covered up, and our grass is perfect, and nobody’s enjoying it except me and our staff. It’s eerie. It’s this weird, serene feeling to walk campus. And usually right now we’d be covered up with guests in the springtime and hosting lots of events on the weekends.”

The staff of Shocco Springs normally numbers around 170, but currently only 25 employees remain on site, including residential employees like Klinner. The camp is shut down until April 30, but Klinner expects that period to extend.

Shocco Springs is currently operating with 50 percent of its typical income and has faced approximately $3.5 million in losses. Drawing from emergency savings has allowed operations to continue. But Klinner said it is important to recognize that not all camps and conference centers are able to cover their losses.

“A lot of camps and small conference centers are not in the same boat,” Klinner said. “They’re struggling to make payroll; they’ve laid people off. They’re trying to figure out where their summer’s going to be and how they’re going to keep doors open.” (BP)