Andrews - With fear and uncertainty expanding across the globe due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a story of hope emerges from the site of a gospel-driven discipleship camp on Mae Johnson Way.
Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters employs a little more than 40 people to organize and operate a slate of spring and summer programs. The campground draws more than 11,000 people each year, but the coronavirus has forced it to cancel five weeks of spring camps so far.
Yet, even with the loss of revenue and the uncertainty surrounding the return of normal life, the organization continues to pay and feed every employee, without any reduction in salary or benefits.
“We’ve got a limited supply of money, but as long as we can we’re going to keep doing it,” said Brody Holloway, CEO and lead pastor of Snowbird. “If we get to a point where we can’t take care of our people, the whole country is going to be upside down. So we would rather do whatever is required to take care of our families and employees.”
In the meantime, Holloway and his team are using social media to spread their positive message to everyone who wants to hear it. Holloway recently interviewed his own children via podcast so others could view the situation through someone else’s perspective.
“They don’t feel the weight [of social restrictions and pandemic news],” Holloway said, adding that his kids feel like sleeping later than usual and playing outside all day is a pleasure. “I wanted people to hear what this is like through the eyes of a kid. It lightens the load a little bit.”
Snowbird also broadcasts its morning meeting on Facebook Live every day in hopes that people experience a connection with others, even if it’s only through the screen of an electronic device.
“People are created for friendship, community and relationship,” Holloway said. “Right now, people are feeling isolation from all of this. We’re trying to use social media to help people feel connected.”
The first flush
While Snowbird is considered a “non-essential business,” according to the executive order issued by the state, it has essential components that allows the campground to continue forward with various projects. The organization just completed a sewer extension project that allows it to switch from a high-maintenance septic wastewater structure to a sewer system, providing the ability to then expand its services.
The project constructed 6,500 linear feet of sewer line to connect Snowbird to the town’s wastewater system. The project, which took less than nine months to complete, also is expected to bring Andrews additional customers.
Any private landowners who no longer want to manage their septic systems on Minnow Farm Road, Pisgah Road and Junaluska Road between Snowbird and the town limits will be able to access the sewer system. Cherokee County Commissioner Cal Stiles performed the first flush on Snowbird’s new system Thursday.
“This is an answer to a lot of prayers,” Stiles said.
Camping out
When asked whether he believes some portion of summer camp will take place this year, Holloway said the conversations with groups that regularly attend Snowbird have been positive.
“If things continue on the course they’re on right now, I think people are going to want their kids to go to camp,” he said. “We talked to a lot of churches over the last week and they’re saying, ‘Yeah, we really need to get our kids to camp.’ ”
In the meantime, Holloway plans to continue spreading his positive message to everyone far and wide.
“People are anxious and freaked out. They’re watching the stats on how many cases there are now and how many people have died. We’re kinda being fed and inundated with negative information,” he said.
“A lot of people are really discouraged with this [pandemic], but I don’t think we have to be. Jesus said you need to do two things: love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. And love others more than you love yourself. You do those two things, you’ll be fulfilled.
“That’s the principle we want to live by. I think we’re a light that’s shining in darkness, and people need that right now.”
To schedule a tour of Snowbird, which is open to the public when not in the midst of a pandemic, call 321-2210.