A shirt to commemorate the camp we didn’t have is here. Visit the RYC General Store (generalstore.rusticyouthcamp.org) to find out how to buy one. Any profits from the shirts will help keep RYC running until 2021.

A shirt to commemorate the camp we didn’t have is here. Visit the RYC General Store (generalstore.rusticyouthcamp.org) to find out how to buy one. Any profits from the shirts will help keep RYC running until 2021.
(To read a PDF version of the letter, please click here.)
Cancellations
This is an announcement that most are expecting, but no one wanted.
As most know, Rustic Youth Camp’s facilities operate under direction of the Alabama Department of Public Health. After multiple contacts with the ADPH, Rustic Youth Camp has been informed that it is highly unlikely that we will receive a permit for operation this summer. The ADPH has guidelines set in place that mostly follow the phased guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The guidelines state that youth camps may begin to reopen during Phase II. As of now, the state of Alabama does not yet qualify to begin even Phase I. Currently, assuming things improve drastically, the earliest Alabama could begin Phase II is in June. Even if this happens, the model of operation for RYC does not meet Phase II requirements—RYC could only open at 1/3 capacity, there could be no shared equipment (like for sports), there could be no overnight campers, and only campers from the immediate area would be allowed to attend. Additionally, it is worth noting that the county in which the facilities are located has seen a five-fold increase in Covid-19 cases in just the last few days, with some associated with RYC being in mandatory quarantine. With these things in mind, the tough decision has been made to announce the cancelation of both sessions of RYC for summer 2020.
Refunds
The registration deposits for RYC are generally non-refundable because there is a significant expenditure for registration fees, payments, and card fees (Those fees alone are over $2000) and the fact that camp must be maintained even when not in session. However, due to the extraordinary circumstances, we are making refunds available. Refunds will NOT be automatic, nor be refunded through the registration system (Active) as that would result in an additional expense of $1000+ in card fees, etc. Refund checks will be sent via the USPS.
There are three options for refunds:
Even with all of these set-backs, the RYC family is still strong. The planned re-launch of the official Rustic Youth Camp General Store will still take place soon using a new online store.
We will have scheduled work days for maintenance when guidelines can be met. Keep watch!
Be on the lookout for a special message from Jackie and Bunny during the summer.
Pray for one another, look out for one another, and stay healthy and safe!
UPDATE: The store is temporarily closed while we rework it.
The RYC General Store is being rebuilt! Shirts, buttons/pins, stickers, and more will be available. New items will be gradually added, so check back often!
This year general registration for Rustic Youth Camp will open on February 29, 2020.
Good news! There will be a way to register early for RYC again! We have an arrangement with the RYC Booster Club to offer early registration as a benefit to their membership. To qualify for early registration, you must be a member in good standing with paid dues before February 15, 2020. (Dues are $35 per household.) Only immediate members of families with current Booster Club memberships will be offered this opportunity.
After February 15 exclusive email links will be provided to members of the RYC Booster Club. Please note links may not be shared. Anyone attempting to register without being members in good standing will be dropped from camp enrollment. When you become a Booster Club member you will receive more precise information about dates for early registration.
Check rycbooster.club to find out how to become a member of the RYC Booster Club. Please remember that dues for the club should be mailed to
RYC Booster Club
1520 Hwy 33
Russellville AL 35653
and not to Rustic Youth Camp.
Support Rustic Youth Camp when you shop on Amazon by setting RYC as your AmazonSmile charity:
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/81-0609370
You can use this link or the one in the sidebar.