Resilience Amid the Flood: Camp Canaan's Unwavering Spirit

In the heart of Rock Hill, South Carolina, a camp that has been a beacon of hope for hundreds of young people every year has been left unrecognizable in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Camp Canaan, situated on an island in the middle of the Catawba River, has faced a daunting challenge as it grapples with the aftermath of the devastating flood.

Weathering the Storm: Camp Canaan's Resilience in the Face of Adversity

A Sudden Evacuation and Widespread Damage

The camp's executive director, Matt Harper, recounts the harrowing events that unfolded as the storm hit. "Thursday night, we had a retreat group out here," he said. "We had to evacuate them and the staff. And Duke (Energy) was in contact saying they'd raise water levels." The rising waters from the Catawba River quickly submerged the camp's athletic fields, office spaces, homes, and buildings, leaving the entire 100-acre island under water. "I was expecting it to be similar to 2019 but this was way worse," Harper said on Friday. "It covered the whole island."

Rebuilding from the Ruins

The damage was extensive, with buildings used to host hundreds of children during camps being gutted to prevent the spread of mold. "We had three feet of water in our office, so it ruined everything in there," Harper explained. "We had to completely gut that." The camp's leadership is now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding and restoring the facilities, with nine people who lived on the campsite being displaced as a result of the flood.

Overcoming Financial Challenges

The camp, which operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is unable to rely on insurance to help with the recovery efforts. "We couldn't afford it. I don't think it would be even an option for us," Harper said. With limited financial resources, the camp's leaders are turning to the community and seeking divine guidance to help them get back on their feet.

A Renewed Commitment to Service

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the camp's leadership remains steadfast in their commitment to the young people they serve. "We need a lot of prayers and wisdom on how to proceed," Harper said, expressing the camp's determination to continue its mission of providing a safe and nurturing environment for the community's youth.

A Call for Support and Resilience

As the camp navigates the path to recovery, it has canceled events scheduled for October and November, and is hopeful that FEMA assistance can help them get back on track. The camp has provided a link for those wishing to contribute to the rebuilding efforts, recognizing that the support of the community will be crucial in their journey to restore Camp Canaan to its former glory.In the face of adversity, Camp Canaan's unwavering spirit and dedication to its mission serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As the camp works to rebuild and recover, its story stands as a shining example of the power of community, faith, and the unwavering determination to overcome even the most daunting of challenges.