Camp Encounter suspends operations, halts school program

Financially strapped camp hopes to reboot in 2008

- WCR file photo by Bill Glen Students from St. Francis Xavier High Schoool read letters from their parents during a 2004 school retreat at Camp Encounter.

By BILL GLEN
Camp Encounter
Edmonton

Readers of the WCR may have noticed an advertisement in recent weeks seeking an executive director for Camp Encounter.

With a heavy heart, Father Mike Mireau told the WCR recently that due to funding shortfalls, the board of directors has decided to suspend operations and restructure administration of the camp.

"Because of budgetary problems and not being able to reach our goal for the year, we have had to let everyone go and start from scratch," said Mireau.

Gone are Doug Kramer and Dale Kiselyk. Kramer was camp director the past eight years. Kiselyk was assistant director the last four years.

"We are keeping up our spirits as much as possible, but it's a disappointment all the way around," said Mireau, board chairman.

The camp on the shores of Lac la Nonne, south of Barrhead, was aiming for about $126,000 in donations towards operating revenue for 2007, but fell short by almost $30,000. This is over and above the capital costs of some $500,000 required for renovations and improvements.

For the moment, the camp has halted all of next spring and summer programs and retreats that attracted more than 2,000 kids in 2006. However, there will be a summer camp.

Fr. Mike Mireau

Mireau hopes to hire an executive director before next fall who can focus on building up the camp's funding base.

"Hopefully, that will allow us a more stable set-up as we move into 2008. If we can do that, we can get our school programs running again in 2008," he said.

Camp Encounter's school programs are its "bread and butter." They keep the full-time staff employed all year. Because the programs are on hold until at least next fall, the board had to let the staff go.

Hope to raise money

"We are tentatively keeping the programs going for the fall in the hopes of having the personnel there in time. Hopefully, we will have raised enough money by then."

Mireau emphasized that going ahead all hinges on increased donations.

Raising fees is an option Mireau dreads pursuing. It would place the camp in a disadvantaged position competing with heavily subsidized camps in the area. It could also mean that a child might not be able to come because it is too expensive.

Every school that Mireau has contacted advising them of the current hiatus has been hurt by the news.

Eugenia Chisotti, religion department head at St. Francis Xavier High School, said, "We go out to Camp Encounter frequently and after Father Mike called I was disappointed. Then I have to turn around and tell the kids - and now they are very disappointed.

"You wonder why they are frustrated with their faith when they can't even go out there on retreat?"

Chisotti wants a logical answer to give her students why the Catholic community is willing to let the camp fall to the ground. She wants to know who is not supporting the camp - and why.

"The schools have always come to bat for the students, and I don't mean with the school budget. I'm talking about parents and teachers donating money out of their own pockets because we know this is such an important issue," she said.

"Parents pay for others' kids to go to the camp. The word is out on how fantastic the program was."

Chisotti fears closing the camp will have a negative impact on religious programs in the Edmonton Archdiocese.

Students rejuvenated

"These kids come back refreshed and rejuvenated. Their faith is enlivened. It has made a difference in the classroom."

Mireau agrees. "It's a real shame because Camp Encounter offers something they are not going to get in school.

"Particularly in school religion programs, the kids might get doctrine and some head knowledge, but they are not going to get that experience of God to carry them forward that they have been able to get with the camp."

Donations can be made to Camp Encounter, RR #1, Site 21, Box 4, Gunn, AB, T0E 1A0. Information about the camp can be found at www.campencounter.com.

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