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LOTS of kids get saved at camp. This year, it was the camp itself that was
saved.
When management consultant (and future camp director) Greg Duskin ordered an
environmental assessment of the cabins at Keats Camps late last fall, it was
discovered that almost all of the cabins had a serious mould problem behind the
drywall – and were deemed unusable.
There were only some two dozen usable beds in the Pilot House, a dorm opened in
2005.
The camp, with a normal capacity of 234 campers, was facing the possibility of
closing.
This would have been a disaster for the camp, which had been established on
Keats Island in 1926 and is still affiliated with the Canadian Baptists of
Western Canada.
Most of the campers each summer come from non-church homes, including some who
come through Union Gospel Mission; and a majority make a commitment to Christ
before they leave.
Faced with this crisis, supporters of the camp rallied around. Individuals and
church groups started arriving at the camp each weekend and renovating the
cabins. In March, the camp had 50 beds available; today there are 100. With the
same number of counsellors, the campers who come will get extra attention.
The near-disaster may turn out to be a blessing. The renovations are
retrofitting the cabins, so that they can be used all year round.
Not only will this prevent the mould problem from returning, but it will expand
the ministry of the camp beyond the summer months.
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The camp also has a large dining hall building, completed in 2006. It is now
negotiating with a large donor to complete the bottom floor of this building as
a conference centre.
The downside is that the camp has lost a lot of cash flow from camp fees, and
experienced increased expenses. It is facing a potential deficit of $200,000,
which it is hoping to eliminate by October.
For more information, go to: keatscamps.com
— Jim Coggins
July 2009
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