Camp Okema Update

By Steve Mitchell

Campers and leaders enjoyed playing on the new basketball campAfter a busy and exciting 2009 camping season, the Board of the Okema Society has been focussing on preparations for 2010. Here are some highlights as we look back at 2009 and ahead to 2010.

Blessings:

We were blessed with a new basketball court (pictured), through the generosity of a grant from the Diocese of Saskatoon and through the hard work of a team of skilled volunteer workers. The court was appreciated by campers and well-used throughout the season. Another blessing was that a water line was run to the nurse’s cabin, providing water and bathroom facilities to help meet the health needs of the camp. We were blessed with 206 campers as well, and all the staff required in order to run safe, healthy, and exciting camps. We appreciate these and many other blessings that God has given us through the hands of His people in 2009.

Happenings:

The 2009 Annual General Meeting at St. George’s Church in Prince Albert on November 21^st culminated with the election of a new board. The executive of the new board are Chair, William Johnson, Secretary, Janet Sturgess, and Treasurer, Yvonne Mitchell. The new board met for their organizational meeting on December 12 at St. Stephen’s Church, Saskatoon, assigning areas of responsibility and setting the foundation in place for the 2010 camp season. One goal is to have the 2010 summer program calendar on the Camp Okema website in February.

Dreams:

Some dreams for 2010 and beyond are as follows: run water lines to other staff cabins, renovate the ladies’ washroom, obtain a commercial dishwasher, obtain a motor boat, repair rotting logs on Sleepy Hollow, complete the fire break project, and look into the possibilities of a biking program for campers. These are just a few of the dreams that our newly-formed long range planning committee will be considering for Okema’s future.

Giving:

We appreciate the generosity of supporters of the ministry of Camp Okema, without whom there would be no camp and no ministry. Each year we look to God for the resources for another season, and He provides through His people so that young and old, singles and families, may experience His blessings at Okema. Donations and memberships may be sent to: Yvonne Mitchell, Box 140, Caronport, SK S0H 0S0.

Annual Membership Fees are:

$20 – Individuals

$25 – Families

$30 – Parishes, Dioceses, ACW or other groups

$200 – “Okema 200” membership