STILLWOOD Camp and Conference Centre, situated south of Chilliwack in the Cultus Lake area, has undergone a remarkable development in in the last 10 years. Last year the camp received three gifts of over $1 million and was able to build an 18,000 square foot gym and two 100 bed lodges.

Stillwood’s story is remarkable. Many ministries and indeed churches ebb and flow with seasons of conflict and lose of vision. Stillwood has sustained a relatively constant flow of growth and blessing. It’s journey is one of encouragement, blessings, miracles and growth.

In 1996 the camp had revenues of $445,999. In 2007, Stillwood had revenues of  $2.5 million.

In 1992 they registered 503 campers in summer camps. By 2007 that number had reached 2,800.

“At the height of the season there are over 200 volunteer staff, mostly youth, that give up their summer to minister and love kids into the kingdom, that is what makes the program go,” camp director Harry Edwards told BCCN.

“The most important figure by far is the 959 campers who publicly acknowledged their decision to follow the Lord last year,” he said.

Vision

Stillwood Camp  was launched in 1958 when 70 men decided to establish a camp ministry in the Fraser Valley. Given that their denomination (Mennonite Brethren) did not – at that time – support the venture, this determined group formed its own society.

Initial funding took place when these determined visionaries all pledged to contribute $10 a month for one year. Thus $8,400 was raised. With great faith, the group, led by Jack Block and Bill Friesen, purchased 60 acres of land on a shelf just south of Cultus Lake. A few years ago the land area expanded to 100 acres when a generous donor bought two adjacent farms and donated them to the camp.

Growth

Off-season activities also soared as comfortable winterized facilities were developed. In a recent three-year period, Stillwood hosted 1,200 different groups. These have included churches, RCMP Youth Academies, Forest Rangers, hobby groups, choirs, large student groups, weddings, sports teams, professional societies, labour groups, families, pastors, missionary groups, public and private schools and many others.

Whether religious or secular, all groups who come to this beautiful mountain retreat are hosted in a clear Christian environment.

These off-season programs generate revenue which enables Stillwood to subsidize summer fees. Significantly, Stillwood’s large camping program allows the camp to not turn applicants away should they lack funds.  

Following several decades of gradual site development, major expansion began in 1997 with thirty-two new buildings, ranging from lodges and camper cottages along with extensive renovation of four existing buildings. A 25-metre junior Olympic-size heated swimming pool was also added. Other new structures include a 500-seat dining hall, tree houses, a Red Barn gymnasium and assembly hall with a silo providing a year-round 40-foot climbing wall, a general store, a coffee shop, a nursery building, and a small infirmary. Improvements have also been made to pave roads and walkways, bury utility wires, and add a major high ropes course.

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Volunteers & donors

Many hundreds of volunteers have worked at Stillwood on construction projects. Since 1997 at least 40,000 person days of volunteer labor have been donated, not counting the  thousands of days donated by summer staff.

Young people, middle-aged supporters and many seniors have laboured faithfully. Many retired couples, members of SOWERS (Servants On Wheels Ever Ready) and RVICS (Retired Volunteers In Christ’s Service), have spent weeks and even months serving God at Stillwood.

Generous donors have also blessed Stillwood. Since 1997 the camp has received about $11 million in donations for capital projects. The massive expansion and renewal has been made possible by these faithful stewards.

To what does Edwards contribute this remarkable growth?

“It’s God. He has inspired people to ‘buy in’ to the vision of reaching youth with the gospel. Many of our significant donors and supporters have been with us since the beginning.

“Faithfulness to the original vision, along with praying into it. I receive calls from people that go way back to the 50s or 60s to simply say that they are praying for Stillwood – that happens frequently! That is the engine that drives it all.”

Stillwood honoured

Recently the Stillwood community received delightful news.

The Canadian Camping Association awarded Stillwood an Award of Excellence, only the third time a camp has been thus honoured since the award program for individuals and camps was launched in 1979.

The citation issued by this not specifically religious organization stated that  the story of Stillwood’s development is one of integrity. Beginning as Columbia Bible Camp in 1958, Stillwood has been providing quality camping for B.C. children for 50 years.

Phase II to come

Stillwood will not rest on its laurels. The camp anticipates a major expansion of their ministry, which they call Phase II, on the 40 undeveloped acres adjacent to the present 60-acre camp and retreat site.

Given that they presently turn away many hundreds of potential campers, they have decided that they need to construct more buildings.

They also hope to launch a major family camp program and to provide extensive and more appropriate accommodation for retreat and conference groups.

The camp praises God for what he has already done and for what he will yet do at Stillwood. With joyful anticipation the camp looks forward to some very challenging years of development and further growth.

Their goal is unchanged: excellence in programs, people, facilities and food. Their mission statement continues to guide them: ‘To serve others and to help people know God.’

Written with files from John H. Redekop - chair of the Stillwood board, with additional reporting by Peter Biggs

April 2008