News Archives: July-Dec 2003

New Camp Director appointed - posted 12th Dec 2003

The Board of Directors of Camp Columbia is pleased to announce that from October 1st 2003 Camp Columbia has a new Camp Director, Darryl MacLeod. Darryl and his wife, Charity, will be welcome additions to Thetis Island as they settle in to Camp. Yes, they get to live on site and oversee everything pertaining to Camp Columbia.

Darryl's experience includes working as a Director of recreation in Ottawa, owner proprietor of a recreation company, Recreation Manager in Saudi Arabia and most recently as Program Coordinator for George Pringle Camp. Darryl graduated from Ottawa U with Honours recreology. He plays hockey and enjoys sports and cooking in his free time.

Darryl's varied skills and experience include basic maintenance, fiscal responsibility and accountability, program creation and development for all ages and a management background.

Camp Columbia is facing a challenge to upgrade some of the facilities. After 56 years of successful operation offering a summer camp for children as well as retreat facilities for school, church and other non-profit user groups, Camp needs a face-lift. Darryl, under the direction of the Board of Camp Columbia, brings his enthusiasm, energy and expertise to help improve the site.

Consider booking Heneage or St.Columba House during the fall and spring seasons. Darryl will be pleased to assist you and your group to find a suitable date and venue at Camp.

Robert G. Porter
Chairman, Camp Columbia

NOVEMBER GUITAR WORKSHOP - posted 19th Nov 2003

Sister Val brought her music teacher skills to Camp Columbia and those who signed up for her workshop went home with new confidence in guitar playing.

Sister Val has taught over 1400 people, young and young at heart, to play the guitar in a day. Imagine Heneage Lounge as the scene for beginner guitar players. With Sister Val's encouragement we played several well loved praise songs including "Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho", "Michael Row your Boat Ashore", "Amazing Grace" and "We are one in the Spirit".

Excellent food, terrific fellowship and new friends along with the sense of accomplishment at having learned something new were all part of the guitar workshop. If playing a guitar has always been something you wanted to learn, then stay tuned for the next guitar workshop led by Sister Val.

Location may be in Victoria and not Camp Columbia next time but be sure that Camp Columbia will host another 'learn to play the guitar' workshop in 2004.

A few workshop participants opted to stay an extra night to volunteer their time and talents for Camp. The result is we have more of Camp having a freshly painted look.

To everybody who signed up for the workshop, we say a big THANKS for your support. If you missed the session, stay tuned to Camp Columbia's web for the next one.

WORK WEEKEND FALL '03 - posted 19th Nov 2003

What would 40 people be doing at Camp Columbia in late October? Just ask the folks from 3 weeks young to 70 years young at heart that volunteered at our fall work weekend.

It was a blast. It was a lot of fun. It was hard work. It was fellowship building. AWESOME.

We winterize the nine huts in October and that kept people busy. There was excitement generated as folks met our new Camp Director, Darryl MacLeod. Darryl managed to make the work weekend seem full of FUN. He organized the jobs into our skill levels and we signed up to do the jobs we either enjoyed or knew used our gifts and talents.

The large cross on the outside of the dining room wall is now very visible and stands out when you come down our driveway to Heneage. Well done.

The curtains were washed, ironed and re hung in the cottages and do they look like new? Certainly they look fresh. Our sewing team made new curtains for Fools Rush Inn and tackled other sewing jobs to improve our Camp.

Bonny Doon has a freshly painted look of blue, yellow and white thanks to dedicated volunteers. The next step is to re do the floor and we have the tile ready. Next is to hear from a volunteer who has experience in laying tile. Give Darryl at call at Camp, 1 866 946 3751 if you can help out.

Dry walling, painting, sewing, gardening, general fix up, clean up, ironing, cooking, baking and singing were just some of the jobs that were done at the work weekend.

We said 'bye bye' to lots of blackberry bushes that detract from the view of the waterfront at St. Columba and St. Barnabas. What a big job for our young people and they did a superb job.

We laughed, we sang, we worshiped, we ate good Camp food and we celebrated what Camp Columbia means to us.

Work weekends are an important part of Camp Columbia. Stay tuned for the next one and if you have a day or more to volunteer at Camp, please contact Darryl about the 'job jar' and Camp Columbia is grateful for your help. You are all a blessing to Camp Columbia and your commitment to the Camp is much appreciated. Besides, we have a BLAST at Camp.

WOMEN'S FALL RETREAT - posted 30th Sept 2003

It was a big Success! 65 women from Vancouver Island and Vancouver attended the "Called and Gifted "fall weekend, September 26 - 28 at Camp Columbia.

The weekend, led by Sisters of St. John the Divine, Doreen and Valerie, was a time for sharing, exploring our spirituality, laughing, relaxing, crafting, singing ∓ playing, walking, beachcombing, sleeping and more. Sister Doreen suggested we imagine Camp Columbia as a magnificent dance hall, with the Holy Spirit as the choreographer and our dance partner is God. Sister Doreen reminded us that prayer keeps our own hope alive. The risk is to take time for silence and inner pondering and sometimes this is difficult with the busy lives we lead.

We were treated to special meals including Tess' Chicken Cordon Bleu and Susie's decadent chocolate cheesecake. What a treat to have Tess and Susie take care of meal planning, preparing and serving. There was a feeling of being pampered and loved up by Camp kitchen staff.

Rev. Canon Mary Louise Meadow celebrated at the Sunday Eucharist held in the Outdoor Chapel. The readers and singers competed with the various birds. The decorated cross carefully designed and made during the Girls' Summer Camp craft sessions brought attention to the gifted crafters at Summer Camp.

Whether you came on your own or with a friend, by the end of the weekend, there were many new friendships. Stay tuned for the Spring Images of Spirituality women's retreat at Camp Columbia.

JUNE OPEN HOUSE - posted 10th July 2003

Our Annual Open House was another huge success this year thanks to all of the staff, volunteers and camp enthusiasts. Our guests numbered over 100. This year the Parish of St. Dunstans held their weekend at this same time. What a great group.

The day started out with everyone being able to participate in one of the many planned activities or simply relaxing in the glorious sunshine.

We all gathered in front of Heneage House in early afternoon and were given a warm welcome by Al Marks as he introduced Bishop Barry Jenks. Bishop Barry is retiring in July and we are grateful for his strong support for our Diocesan Camp. Camp apparel was presented to both our Bishop and his gracious wife, Barbara. Bishop Barry's blessing included many prayers for the camp, as well as the children who attend in the summer and everyone who participates year round.

After the blessing we all enjoyed either the 'tea' served in Heneage House dining room or the hot dogs offered outdoors. We give many thanks to the cooks who did a fabulous job arranging all of the food, as well as keeping the coffee and tea flowing throughout the day.

A warm and heartfelt thanks to everyone that helped make this year's Open House such a huge success. It was nice to see so many familiar faces, as well as many new ones that we hope to see again. Our Diocese is blessed to have this camp to enjoy. Many people have come to Camp Columbia and experienced God for the first time and their lives have been changed forever.

May God continue to shower Camp Columbia with blessings and keep it a place of peace and serenity for all who visit.