Dear GICEL Families

We’re writing to let you know that due to the restrictions (closed park spaces) and guidance (social distancing and no gatherings) provided by our health authorities in response to the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, the board of directors for the Gulf Islands Centre for Ecological Learning—GICEL—has come to the inevitable and very difficult conclusion that we must cancel ALL our summer programs for 2020.  This is unprecedented and very disappointing for us, as we expect it will be for you and your children too. For the first time in 20 years not being able to gather again to play and learn together in the fields, forests and on the shorelines of these beautiful islands we love so much, will be greatly missed.  We will miss being in your company, too! But in this extraordinary time of isolation, we know we need to hold the line, and keep on flattening the curve—on everyone’s behalf.

On a positive note, our talented and committed GICEL leaders’ team is exploring the possibility of developing some online resources, activities and other creative ways to take you and your children out into nature this summer. It’s a good place for all of us to be, especially nowadays! This will be a huge new undertaking for GICEL but our team is energized to take it on. So, let us know if you’re interested in being informed of the digital GICEL community by filling in this online form:
https://forms.gle/Rcrbv7v7zRdwd5LM6.

Please be aware that the GICEL Board also approved the full refund of registration fees for the Seedlings and Summer Earth Education (SEEP) programs. For more information about this, please contact your camp coordinator.

We look forward to gathering again in 2021!

The GICEL Board of Directors