Soul Quest 2020 Moves to a Virtual Format

Soul Quest 2020 will be moved to a virtual format as the traditional, week-long camp on the York College campus was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The all-digital Soul Quest will provide an alternative for the hundreds of teens who typically make their way to York during the month of June. Virtual Soul Quest details will go live on May 14.

Soul Quest Director, Tim Lewis stated, "Ongoing challenges of COVID-19 have led us to see cancellation as the only responsible choice. We are grieving the loss of our camp and the break in tradition this represents for our campers and all of us. Thanks to a group of talented and motivated partners who will be working together, we intend to provide a great online alternative. It's not what we want but we will work through the details to make Soul Quest a great virtual reality alternative."

The decision to move Soul Quest to a digital format was made after conversations with youth ministers and other church leaders. Lewis added, "I am so grateful for this loyal group who have been engaged in Soul Quest for decades. They are my trusted friends and partners and they want the best for their kids and the camp. Another outstanding partner in making this decision was the Four Corners Health Department that serves York County. Along with concerns for individual campers, we wanted to do the right thing for the York community. The decision to cancel our regular format was made after hours of conversation, consideration and prayer."

The announcement follows earlier decisions to move the spring semester to an online format, cancellation of other summer activities on campus and cancellation of York College's Summer Study Abroad program. Soul Quest began in 1981 and typically hosts 450 campers and 200 camp staff and other guests.