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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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The painted picture in this article in incorrect. "near disaster to blessing" is not the truth and having people rally to help is not the truth.
I think the writer had good intentions but I do not think they checked the information with the camp leaders.
See video here of current status:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il01GKnNs2g
People love Keats Camps despite the imperfection and troubles over the years. There were many innovators and prayer warriors who walked with Keats and continue to do so. Others had to take a break because ministry has a cost to people.
Keats needs peoples FINANCIAL support and other types of support.
People have not rallied around the camp as the article paints. The ministry is still in transition and they need help.
They are going by faith day by day.
2 months before camp season, Keats was still not sure if they could do camp this summer.
They need prayer and help sustainable for the future.
The leaders and organizers are hopeful but times are hard. People are struggling to commit to supporting a great ministry in it's rebuilding stage.
Sometimes the best way to support the camp is get to know the people doing the work and speak to those who in are the trenches everyday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEzmYlRC1nw
- GROWTH: It starts here with innovation (the most exciting time to be a part of an organization)
- FOUNDATION: Settles/plateaus (infrastructure is build)
- TRANSITION
- STUCK
- RE-INVENTION (Exciting times start again)
Keats has made it's way through this cycle and is now back at the most exciting place. A place of dreaming big, innovating and re-inventing. I believe there is a bright future ahead of Keats. One filled with life, impacted lives and lots of hope and potential. I believe there are ways Keats can even grow into a sustainable model that can break that cycle.
There is still a great need for people to rally around Keats financially and help push it through this slump and into a brighter future. This is an exciting opportunity to see God's people come together with purpose and see amazing things done for the Kingdom of God.
Who's is?
I know I am!
Check out these videos of what God is doing at Keats Camps inspite of us and the current "struggle".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEgyHUXKkCE&feature=player_profilepage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmcIfgku5Fg&feature=player_profilepage
Mark Watt
Keats Camps Communications/Alumni/Developement