Kingswood Camp

Kingswood Camp ( http://www.kingswoodcamp.ca) is an evangelical Christian camp situated on Lake George, Kings County, Nova Scotia, owned and operated by the Eastern Valley Baptist Association and run in cooperation with the Annapolis-Digby Baptist Association. We seek to honour God by providing an atmosphere where campers encounter Jesus Christ and grow as His disciples through wholesome relationships with dedicated Christian leaders, in an inviting outdoor setting, while participating in safe programs and activities relevant to their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development.

The camping season of 2006 has been one of challenges and blessings. There was a delay, as a result of the printer, in having the brochures ready in a timely fashion.  Another major challenge has been the water situation.  Last fall there was a problem detected in a water test.  All recommendations were followed and it appeared that the problem was rectified.  The first water test in 2006 confirmed this.   The second series of tests proved otherwise.  As a result a UV Light was installed to treat any problems that might occur.  Once all of the various government conditions were met the camp was allowed to open.  We have remained under a boil water order for the season.  While we have complied with all requirements of the various government departments, including having a well driller report and a professional engineer report, the government has decided that they wish to carry out their own tests.  We are currently in the process of requesting that this be completed or having the matter resolved before the camp is closed for winter.

On the positive side a number of projects were completed bringing the camp in line with new government standards.  Volunteer labour and the donation of materials is greatly appreciated to keeping these improvements within a more manageable framework.  The camp committee expresses its gratitude for all of the donations of cleaning supplies, paper towels and so on.  These are a great help in trying to keep within our budget.  We are also thankful to those who are able to attend the workdays each spring and fall.  Many hands do make for lighter work as the camp is readied for the camping season and “put to bed” for the winter.

We have been blessed with an increase in the number of campers this year.  The number of commitments made to Jesus Christ has more than doubled this year over the number recorded for the past number of years.  It is the mission of the camp to have a programme where campers are able to encounter Jesus Christ and grow as His disciples.  Please pray to have the Holy Spirit continue to touch people’s lives and to continue to work in the lives of all who are connected with your camp.  

This year the camp committee has met monthly in addition to the various sub-committees’ meetings, to further the camp work. Until Glenn Wooden’s sabbatical started this past spring he remained the Chairperson for the camp committee.  After his resignation, Allison Magee was elected chairperson.  A number of new events were planned for 2006.  One was a Family Camp; however, due to a lack of initial interest this was cancelled this year but may be planned with more advertisement for 2007.  To help with the financing of the camp, share-a-wage and raise-a-wage were used this year.  It is planned to try and follow a different course for 2007 due to the difficulty in using share-a-wage and raise-a-wage.

To have a successful camp it is necessary to have the support of all Baptists.  Volunteers are needed in helping with the camp work.  We also need your support in encouraging children to attend the camp and by helping to sponsor campers.  In addition everyone is able to help with their prayers for a successful camping year in 2007.  

Exciting changes are on the way for Kingswood Camp.  Over the next few weeks land shall be cleared for a new double cabin.  This will allow for construction to begin as soon as the weather will permit this coming spring.  It is anticipated that the cabin will be completed before the next camping season starts.  All monetary donations to this building project will be gratefully received.  This new building will allow more convenient winter rentals.  It will also allow the camp to work toward meeting new government regulations.  Please remember that during the non-Kingswood camping season, the facilities are available to be rented by various groups.

The Camp Committee fiscal year is the calendar year.  It is hoped that with the continued financial support from our churches and individuals this autumn we will be able to balance our budget for 2006.  Not all positions on the Kingswod Camp Committee have been filled.  If you are interested or know of someone who is interested in serving on this committee, please contact the nominating committee.  There are also vacant positions on sub-committees, such as publicity and finance.  Thus it is possible to help the camp without having to commit to serve on the Kingswood Camp Committee.

If you are a former camper and would like to explore the options of forming a camp alumni please contact a member of the Camp Committee.  If you have not been to the camp lately please come and see what is being offered.

Respectfully submitted,
Allison Magee,
Chairperson of Kingswood Camp Committee