October 21, 2024
Trails update: Daisy’s Lake Trail from the dam to the Lowry’s Crossing (boardwalk behind the gym) has been reopened. Please use the detour route using the bog boardwalk to connect to tennis courts while the bridges near the bog are being repaired. The portion of the trail that leads to Corn Mountain and Foster Garden service road remains closed at this time.
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October 15, 2024
Dear Friends of Kanuga,
It’s hard to believe that just a week ago, Kanuga was covered in downed trees, with no phones, internet, road access, or power.
The difference between last week and this one is astounding. Yes, there are still things to be done, and there will be for some time; but, resurrection is all around! Due to the hard, hard work of many, as well as your prayers and financial support, I’m pleased to share that KANUGA IS OPEN.
We are open! Thanks be to God! There are now several ways you can support Kanuga’s full recovery:
- Make a new or keep your upcoming reservation (fall color peaking soon!).
- Give generously to Annual Fund: Kanuga.org/Giving.
- Spread the word that Camp Kanuga is now open for summer 2025 registration: CampKanuga.org.
We will also soon invite you to participate in service days. As you can imagine, the trails in particular are in need of clearing and clean-up.
From our beginning and confirmed in recent years of the pandemic, Kanuga has been a resource of hope to our community. With that knowledge as our north star, Kanuga is offering a special lodging rate for individuals and families displaced by Helene, local and volunteer first responders, health care workers, disaster relief and support organizations, recovery mission and parish groups, and professional restoration companies. To find out more: communitysupport@Kanuga.org.
Lastly, I’m reminded of this stanza written by Rufus Morgan:
Tonight, above, the stars still shine.
Around, the peace of mountains stands.
If in our hearts good will abides
We find our peace within His hands.
Grace and peace to you,
The Rev. Michael Sullivan
President & CEO
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October 14, 2024
Kanuga is open and taking reservations for groups and individual lodging—find out more: info@staykanuga.org
In addition, support is available to provide a variety of lodging options for displaced individuals and families, local and volunteer first responders, health care workers, disaster relief and support organizations including recovery mission groups as well as professional restoration companies. For information preferred rates, please email communitysupport@Kanuga.org. To expedite the inquiry process, please provide the following in your email:
- Name of Company/Organization (if applicable)
- Your Mission(if applicable)
- Main Point of Contact
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Reason for Lodging Need
- Potential Check in and Check out Dates
- Number of Guests
- Number of Rooms and Beds Required
- Private Accommodations Required or Communal Accommodations Acceptable
- Any other specific or additional requirements
There will be opportunities for service work on campus at a later date. Meanwhile, we appreciate financial support at any level to assist with recovery efforts. Stay tuned for updates on Kanuga events and programs.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT RESERVATIONS OR GROUP EVENTS:
INFO@STAYKANUGA.ORG
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October 14, 2024
Subject: Kanuga Trails Update
Dear Kanuga Trails Conservancy Members,
Thank you to everyone who has offered support either financially or physically. We know how much the trails and Kanuga mean to you, and we are working hard to reopen as soon as we can.
While we continue to assess conditions and address damage after tropical storm Helene, all trails remain closed.
Many trails were severely altered due to water erosion, dozens of downed trees and other obstacles, making them dangerous for use at this time.
Please be patient; this work takes time and careful consideration. The trails will reopen in phases, beginning with the least affected.
Once hazardous conditions have been addressed, I will send out a schedule for volunteer sign-ups and opportunities to get involved in the restoration effort.
Thank you, again, for your ongoing support and patience.
There will be opportunities for service work on campus at a later date. Meanwhile, we appreciate financial support at any level to assist with recovery efforts. Stay tuned for updates on Kanuga events and programs.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT RESERVATIONS OR GROUP EVENTS:
INFO@STAYKANUGA.ORG
My most sincere gratitude,
Mary Kait Brown
Environmental Programs Specialist
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October 10, 2024
Kanuga remains closed to assess property damage caused by the storm. We plan to reopen in stages, first with Kanuga Lake Inn only on October 14. The Inn will open not only to traveling guests but also to missional groups representing disaster relief teams and those in need of housing.
There will be opportunities for service work on campus at a later date. Meanwhile, we appreciate financial support at any level to assist with recovery efforts. Stay tuned for updates on Kanuga events and programs.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT RESERVATIONS OR GROUP EVENTS:
INFO@STAYKANUGA.ORG
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October 8, 2024
Kanuga remains closed to assess property damage caused by the storm. We hope to reopen in mid-October once the property has been cleared and infrastructure is back in place. There will be opportunities for service work on campus at a later date. Meanwhile, we appreciate financial support at any level to assist with recovery efforts.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT RESERVATIONS OR GROUP EVENTS:
INFO@STAYKANUGA.ORG
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October 8, 2024
Friends of Kanuga, we have a lot to share about the state of campus. First, our spirits remain high as we push through, making a degree of progress each day. Sometimes, sliding backwards a day (eg wifi comes and goes), but on the whole moving forward. The effort is propelled by your prayers and support; our staff can actually feel your grounding love. We will re-open as soon as possible, but for your safety we ask that you keep a distance. For now, it’s one day at a time.
The following operational areas are key to our recovery work:
-Full assessment of water and wind damage throughout all three campuses
-Restoration of power, telephone, and water service
-Removing trees from, well, everywhere, with a priority of tree removal from rooftops and roadways
-Restocking food and other supplies
-Guest and groups communications regarding cancellations and rescheduling
-Encouraging philanthropic support to replace lost revenue
In the photos, you will see damages at camp, Bob Campbell Youth Campus, main campus, the waterfront, bog, and roadways. In some places, such as Foster Garden, we will need to begin again, but for the most part, our damages can be addressed with repair work. Thanks be to God!
President & CEO Michael Sullivan writes today, “Kanuga is grateful for the support we have received from individuals and parishes across the United States and beyond. The response to support our staff as well as infrastructure has been overwhelming.
“We will soon transition to serve as a resource for the greater community, housing nurses, doctors, first responders and others. Plans are also underway to support parish mission trips to the area for work that will last months, if not years.
“Kanuga has always bounced back, by God’s grace, and we know that this time we shall yet again. This holy place has been a refuge, a place of respite and renewal for almost 100 years. With God’s help, nothing will stop us from preserving the legacy of that mission.”
If you have a question about a reservation or group event, please contact info@staykanuga.org.
To support the restoration effort, please visit Kanuga.org/Giving.
P.S. Look for these updates weekly on Tuesdays!
#kanuga #helene
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October 1, 2024
Dear Friend of Kanuga,
Our heartfelt prayers go out to the many communities and thousands of people impacted by hurricane Helene.
With gratitude, I can report that the guests and staff who weathered the storm at Kanuga are safe. Kanuga’s resourceful and dedicated team rose to the challenge to embody the love of God in all their hard work during the storm. There is much more work ahead.
This tropical storm has been the most devastating weather event to impact Kanuga since the great flood of 1916.
Power is out and roads in and out of Kanuga are closed. Kanuga Lake Road is unstable. Kanuga sustained substantial damage from high winds, flooding, and downed trees.
While the damage is great, it is not catastrophic. We will recover. That said, we have significant damage to at least two cottages as well as the lakefront pavilion. Trees are down on several other buildings and some roofs sustained wind damage. The lake level was so high that the lower portion of the pavilion flooded with several feet of water.
We are closed for at least two weeks, although I believe it may be longer before we can reopen.
Now is a time for assessing damage and planning for the required repairs.
Many of you, along with groups and parishes, have reached out to offer help with what will be a massive clean-up effort. This is deeply meaningful and the time for it will come, once campus is more secure.
More immediately, your philanthropic support is critical. During the coming months as we await the settlement of insurance claims, cash flow will be low while the need to make repairs will be high.
Your gift during this difficult time will help accelerate our recovery and resume operations. I ask you to please consider visiting Kanuga.org/Giving to make a gift.
Thank you for your prayers and concern. I will continue to provide updates as recovery efforts continue. This is a challenging time for Kanuga, our staff, and our community. Together, we will persevere as the Holy Spirit guides us.
Grace and peace,
Michael+
The Rev. Michael Sullivan
President & CEO