Camp Columbia, the Diocese of British Columbia?s summer camp program, is ?solid, but it needs a lot of tending and polishing,? new executive director Ian Rice said. It needs a new management model, he said, a fresh approach to program and marketing, infrastructure development and a fundraising program.
For now, Mr. Rice, 58, has made six of this year?s seven weekly camps co-ed, instead of one. ?We looked at our numbers,? he said. ?It?s hard to justify a single-sex camp with only 34 campers.?
Mr. Rice has also scheduled a second family camp running mid-week, in addition to a family camp on a three-day weekend.
Mr. Rice, who took up his post on Feb. 1, wants to make Camp Columbia a focal point of the diocese, particularly for youth, but also a retreat and training centre.
Diocesan Post
Summer camps are having a difficult time in more than one location. Camp Artaban, in New Westminster, faces an uncertain future, according to a report to diocesan council in early February by Rev. Matthew Johnson.
Mr. Johnson?s report said a capital fundraising campaign is critical to the camp?s survival, along with a larger pool of Anglican supporters from which to draw theme leaders and counsellors. Declining support from parishes around the diocese means that the camp faces continuing annual deficits as well as long-term debt.
Topic
Multi-faith chapels for skiers seem to be a trend. One opened in January at Sun Peaks Resort, near Kamloops, in the Diocese of Cariboo. Representatives from area Presbyterian, Lutheran, United Church, Roman Catholic and Anglican faiths attended the consecration. At Whistler, in the Diocese of New Westminster, Canada?s first skiers? chapel is scheduled to be moved to a new building and expanded to include all faiths. A ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for April 30 and organizers hope to have the chapel open by Christmas.
Topic and news release