|
“WE WANT to influence young people before they get drug addicted; we want to
influence and strengthen families before they divorce; and we want to give
pastors and their families rest when they need it, not when they can afford it!”
These words of Richard Leibel, founding pastor of Westgate Church in Kelowna,
speak to a dream he has had for the last 25 years: to help build a year-round
community-friendly Christian camp .
“I first began to dream about a youth ranch in September 1985, while attending a
great youth camp, and never wanting to leave because it was so good,” he fondly recalls. “I often wondered why there was no residential portion to the camp – where those who didn’t have family to fall back on, could go for extra support and development.”
Leibel’s church plans to provide that in the form of a 10-month Christian-based life
skills program, in addition to weekly summer camp sessions. Leibel, who is the
steward for the project, notes: “Our goal during this 10-month period is to heal heart pain, instill a sense of
personal honour, and establish spiritual and physical disciplines.”
Westgate Church purchased a site for this project more than a year ago. It consists of 27 acres of picturesque land in the Okanagan Valley.
The church is now well on its way to completing both the building and
recreational areas of the site. It helped that the main building was pre-made.
“We were amazed to have this building donated to us by another church in Kelowna,” says Leibel, referring to Son Valley Fellowship.
Westgate hopes to attain zoning permission this spring, and to have the site
fully functional by the spring of 2011.
The site plans show a cluster of 10 cabins at one end of the property; as well
as a tenting area amidst some trees. An amphitheatre will be built into a
hillside, with a sports field nearby. Horseback riding will be offered, as well
as a swimming pool.
Continue article >>
|
The two storey main building will hold a gymnasium, dining hall, food shop,
snack bar and more camp accommodations.
At the other end of the property will be another group of 18 cabins with an
outdoor hot tub, playground and fire pit, and multiple sites nearby for trailer
camping.
In the meantime, Westgate is actively encouraging youth to be part of their
church community’s Friday night events.
“When I think about what our city and region will be like in 20 years,” he concludes, “I know that we have to have a plan to preserve the youth and families of our
communities.”
– Andrea Dujardin-Flexhaug
February 2010
|
