2014 annual report & 2015 stewardship package

2014 ANNUAL REPORT
& 2015 STEWARDSHIP PACKAGE
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre
MESSAGE FROM BON E. CUMMINGS, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
From the individual camper, counsellor, staff, director,
committee member, instructor, retreat
participant to the families, the donors, the
volunteers, the groups, the work parties,
the churches, the Presbyteries and even
the camping associations all have
shared time, expertise, resources,
skills and ideas in being invited and
in inviting ‘all people to experience
the loving presence of the living God
in Creation, in Christ and in Christian
Community.’ Please read all about our
2014 in the Annual Review.
Dear Friends,
Like many of you, I use computers a lot. They are
incredible tools. Be it at home or at work, from
banking, to correspondence, to maps, to
recipes, budgeting, family connections, news,
writing this—the list is endless. My computer
allows me to quickly access and manipulate
fields upon fields of information to respond
to questions and curiosities.
It is probably little wonder then that the first
thing that popped into my mind when asked
‘How did Gracefield fare in 2014?’ was a text
box: “Go to the grace ‘field’ and enter all the
things that the camp is thankful for and let’s compute
the blessings!”
Those entries, both accomplishments and challenges, are
many: the arrival of our new Executive Directors, Janet and
Brian Ham; the work weekends; the innovative web designer
and committee work, the completion of the water system, the
We move into 2015 with the blessings of this
solid foundation and a 2014-2017 strategic vision
to refresh and enrich our Children and Youth, Family and
Individual, and Retreat Ministries.
May God continue to challenge, surprise and bless us in the
year ahead.
gala, roof repairs, the reintroduction of our March Break camp;
the numbers in summer camp enrolment, induction of alumni
counsellors to the Board and the introduction of Grand Camp.
Bon E. Cummings
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Office
Administrator
Co-Executive
Directors
Summer
Staff
Finance
Committee
Fund Development
+ Communications
Committee
Program
Committee
Personnel
Committee
Nominating
Committee
2 |
2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package
Property +
Maintenance
Committee
Sustainability
Committee
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre
MESSAGE FROM BRIAN & JANET HAM, CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
We know we are not done yet, it is not over, there is plenty
of work to be done while we upgrade facilities and
develop programs to become “the go to place”
year after year. This coming year we have
the challenge to start new roofs on several
buildings; to preserve the buildings we
have. Let this remind us of the precious
image of God as our protection… our
personal roof, to preserve and protect us
from being damaged by the storms.
Dear Friends,
The first words we would like to use to report on
last year need to be: Thanks be to God, our
strength and guide. Thanks to each person,
family, church and organization that took
part in the use, life and operation of
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat
Centre.
As Paul expresses to the Romans 1:8 NIV
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ
for all of you, because your faith is being
reported all over the world.
As new Co-Executive Directors, we embarked
on new beginnings, building upon a monumental
foundation of resources—faith, facilities and people. There
may have been some leaky roofs but also roof replacements;
mistakes made but lessons learned. We know it is not as much
about what happens, but how we deal with what God sets
before us. So we move forward committed to the mission and
vision of this ministry full of hope and expectation for what
God will continue to do.
We are encouraged that we were able to finish the year with
solid financial statements keeping expenses to match revenue.
We were also encouraged to see an amazing staff training
week fueled by top notch facilitators, an increase in summer
campers, an increase in retreat facility use and an increase in
love, enthusiasm and passion for the ministry of this beautiful
place used to touch and change lives.
Please join us in 2015 to keep the
momentum going forward. Your prayers,
your encouragement, your participation, your
financial generosity and your service as a volunteer
are all precious gifts.
“Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre is dedicated
to helping all people experience spiritual discovery, growth,
and renewal. It is a community that nurtures a deeper love
of Christ, provides comfort and support, builds leaderships,
develops meaningful relationships, and practices
stewardship of the environment”
This is our vision and we can never lose sight of it. John C.
Maxwell expresses in his book, Be All you Can Be “As a leader,
I will listen to anybody. There is no one who can’t teach me
something. But the only ones I’m really going to take seriously
are those who have investment in (the mission) and are willing
to charge the hill with me.”
We are thankful for God who goes ahead of us and for the
counsel and wisdom of the Gracefield Christian Camp and
Retreat Centre Board of Directors.
Brian &Janet Ham
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bon E. Cummings, Chair
Rev. Julia Apps Douglas
Geoff Del Melo
Martha Dulmage
Ellie Haine Bennett
Alan Hebert
Hon. David Kilgour
Peter Lamont
Dr. Deborah Luckow
Julie Madden
Gordon Richardson
Brian Ham
Janet Ham
2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package
| 3
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre
THIS IS OUR GRACEFIELD
Strategic Direction 2014–2017
Family and
Individual
Ministry
Children and
Youth Ministry
Retreat
Ministry
• Engage and support
families and individuals
• By fostering community and
building site capacity.
• Renew and focus
children’s camping
• By attracting children and
developing youth leaders
• Grow spiritual retreat programs
• By creating an atmosphere
that enhances spiritual growth
and renewal
Sustainability
Helping all people
experience spiritual
discovery, growth
and renewal in a
community that
nurtures a deeper
love of Christ,
provides comfort
and support, builds
leadership, develops
meaningful
relationships and
practices
stewardship of the
environment.
2014 served as a time to reaffirm our commitment to our three main ministries: Family and Individuals; Children and Youth;
Retreats. Each of these ministries has a focus area that helps fulfill our vision of helping all people experience spiritual discovery,
growth, and renewal. These ministries are supported by our focus on sustainability through people involvement, revenue
generation and facility improvement. The 2014-2017 Strategic Direction sets goals that will further each of these ministries.
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2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre
GROWING GRACEFIELD MINISTRIES
2014 GOLDEN PADDLE
AWARD: JOSHUA BAJPAI
Children and Youth Ministry
We celebrate the ministry that took place here at Gracefield with our children and
youth. The theme for the summer camps was “Get Real”—Seeing ourselves as God
sees us.
Children’s camp attendance increased, particularly with the younger campers.
There were 117 campers registered, overseen by 21 enthusiastic and motivated
staff. All children were provided with a bible and devotional booklet to use during
camp and to take home.
Eight youth took part in our five-week Leaders In Training program. Youth were
exposed to a wide array of training experiences, participated in the Canada
Youth gathering at Brock University, a week of in-service with our staff, a variety
of expert workshop leaders, ORCA canoe training and a wilderness out trip. Their
participation in many of our camps in turn enriched our camp program
and our camper’s lives.
The Way camp project was to improve the beach by creating
a large sand box outside of the protected shoreline. Each
morning youth stripped logs, moved sand and worked
hard to complete the project. These volunteer hours were
credited towards their school diploma requirements. In the
afternoon they were able to participate with MAD campers
exploring their creative abilities.
The success of these camps is shown through the stories of the
campers:
✓✓One of the first time campers was so excited when he returned
home, that he could not stop talking about all of his experiences.
✓✓Another camper convinced her family to return to Gracefield later in the
summer and camp in our campground. This provided the family with the
opportunity to take part in a number of family camp activities and now can’t
wait to return next year.
2015 is poised to be a successful summer with added camp sessions and more
choice for campers.
Gracefield offers a Golden
Paddle Award to the camper who
exemplifies Christian communitydemonstrating the fruits of the
Spirit in their camping time at
Gracefield. Joshua Bajpai was
awarded the Golden Paddle in
2014.
“Being a Christian means a lot
to me. When I got the golden
paddle award, I felt very proud.
I was very surprised to get
the award. I was surprised
because I didn’t know
about the award. I
enjoyed camp. I enjoyed
my counselors and my
fellow campers. The
activities that I enjoyed
at camp were archery,
canoeing, you name it.
My favourite part of camp was
hiking to Bruno’s. I’m going
to Gracefield next year too.
Getting the Golden Paddle
made me feel good. Being at
Gracefield with my family and
the staff and campers helps me
to be a better person.”
2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package
| 5
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre
Family and Individual Ministry
GRAND CAMP | The inaugural Grand Camp during the
summer of 2014 proved to be a positive summer addition
to our camp program. Grand Camp was an opportunity
for the grandparents to spend some quality time with their
grandchild. Everyone got involved in morning energizers,
rope challenges, canoeing, archery, exploring nature, crafts,
drama, campfires and outdoor worship. Through the support
of a committed group of counselors, Grand Camp provided
a safe and supportive environment for grandparents and
grandchildren to have a balance of activities and rest and
inspiration.
Retreat Ministry
We are grateful for the many congregations who choose
to retreat to Gracefield for an extended time of fellowship,
learning, and outdoor fun. Retreats develop greater
bonds between members, create new friendships across
generations, and let everyone have the opportunity to stretch
themselves to try new activities. A fond memory of a woman
in her seventies, who joined youth in the low ropes course.
She told us that she always wanted to try and finally got the
courage to do it. It is times of sharing each others’ special
recipes or hot sauces. It is creative worshiping involving skits,
music, and sermons that involve everyone.
Some non-church groups have come to Gracefield and left
feeling spiritually refreshed and touched by the hospitality
shown by staff and fellow campers—“We felt like welcomed
guests in your home”, “One of the best dinner conversations
ever!”, “Staff at Gracefield went above and beyond their
duties to make our stay enjoyable”, “Generosity in every way”,
“Welcoming and helpful for our retreat”.
“I am so grateful to be healthy and able to come with my
grandchild” claimed one grandfather. Others were grateful to
be able to pass on their love for all that Gracefield holds for
them and to see a new generation rediscovering the wonder
of God’s nature and Christian community.
In summer of 2014, Gracefield hosted three different wedding
parties, a family reunion, multiple church retreats including
families, youth and adults, quilters groups and many families
who have reconnected with Gracefield in the tent and trailer
community. Almost all summer weekends in 2014 had multiple
groups on-site enjoying the beauty of Gracefield.
Janet and Brian Ham, Co-Executive Directors, visited churches
during Sunday morning/evening services and midweek
promoting the opportunities available at Gracefield. They
FALL COLOURS DAY | The beautiful fall colours in October
are willing to partner with individuals and congregations to
were enjoyed by a group of enthusiast who registered for the
develop specific programs to spiritually enhance the lives of
opportunity to come to Gracefield
others and to share the mission
for the day and be in the midst of
“I am so grateful to be healthy and of Gracefield with all.
the beauty that the fall offers. They
able to come with my grandchild”.
were treated to a fireside lunch and
—Grandfather, Grand Camp participant
afternoon tea with time in between
to explore the Gracefield property, to
take photos, to find a quiet place to meditate and fellowship
together. A side trip included going to our local cranberry
farm. In 2015 a similar day is being planned for October.
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2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre
Contributing to Sustainability
There was a group of people who faithfully served throughout
the spring, summer and fall whose lives consistently proclaim
to God and others, “Here I am, Lord send (or use) me” (Isaiah
6: 8). We are excited about the numerous improvements that
were accomplished because of these faithful servants.
During the past year many maintenance projects have been
undertaken including:
✓✓The water treatment system has been completed
and now the second phase of this huge project, the
replacement of the septic systems and a back-up
generator are on the Sustainability Committee’s agenda.
✓✓A generous family donated the funds to purchase
and install an outhouse at Second Beach. They also
contributed many hours of volunteer labour to get
everything coordinated and done exactly as required.
✓✓The replacing of the roof on Jolly Roger, which is the
biggest project and still in progress.
✓✓A new roof was also installed on the Community
washrooms which serve the cabin users.
✓✓The East Block women’s washroom was also given a
much needed facelift over the summer with the men’s
washroom update scheduled for 2015.
✓✓Beaver Lodge said goodbye to some old carpets and
hello to some new window treatments. Many general
maintenance repairs were also completed in Beaver
Lodge this past year. The replacement of the roof on
Beaver Lodge is also being considered for the near future.
These are a few of the major projects undertaken this past
year but many others like the forestry management and
general maintenance repairs are ongoing and require the
expertise and commitment of volunteers and staff in order to
maintain the buildings and surroundings so that the ministries
of Gracefield can continue and grow.
The place is looking good. We encourage others to join with
us as we celebrate and anticipate continued improvements
this summer.
2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package
| 7
Expense
Expense
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre
2014 FINANCIAL REVIEW
2014
The Gracefield Board of Directors are very encouraged with
a great year financially. With new leadership on both the
Board and at the Executive Director level, reviews of financial
management and governance policies have led to a refreshed
finance committee, a newly appointed audit committee, and
the renewal of accounting practices such as appropriate
restrictions on the accumulation and use of designated funds.
Overall both income and expense results are amazingly close
to what was a very aggressive 2014 budget. The Gracefield
Board of Directors are pleased by the small year-end deficit of
$731, which is within a 0.25% of budget.
Donations appear to have fallen behind 2013 but that was
entirely due to a one-time special donation in 2013 to cover
the interim executive manager. Without that, donations
increased by 6%. Grant revenues increased due to a higher
synod grant, and the re-activation of summer job and program
grants.
Income
Donations
51,704
58,927
Grants + Other Revenue
69,613
56,285
Program Revenue: Adult/Family
99,913
85,624
Program Revenue: Child/Youth
51,475
28,697
2,698
1,597
275,404
231,131
130,037
93,140
Store Revenue
Total Income
Expense
Administration Expenses
6,455
6,688
Food Services
Publicity + Fundraising
50,441
35,112
Program
25,243
17,942
Property Management
63,959
59,753
276,135
212,634
(731)
18,497
Total Expense
Increased guest and camper attendance saw a substantial
Jan - Dec 14
Jan - Dec 13
$ Change
% Change
Jan - to
Dec program
14
Jan - Dec
13
$ Change
% Change
improvement
revenues
over 2013,
with a 17%
2014
2014 Income
Income
1%
1%
increase in adult revenues and a 79% increase in children’s
nations
51,704.37
58,926.94
(12.26%)
nations
51,704.37
58,926.94
(7,222.57)
(12.26%)
camp revenues.
Of course,
it takes (7,222.57)
money to maintain
quality
ants + Other Revenue
69,613.14
56,284.80
13,328.34
23.68%
ants + Other Revenue
69,613.14
56,284.80
13,328.34
23.68%
for
an
increased
ogram Revenue:programming
Adult/Family
99,912.94
85,624.48 number
14,288.46of campers
16.69% so the 42%
ogram Revenue: Adult/Family
99,912.94
85,624.48
14,288.46
16.69%
ogram Revenue: Child/Youth
51,475.39
22,777.96
79.37%
ogram Revenue:increase
Child/Youth
51,475.39
28,697.43
22,777.96
79.37%
in the
children’s28,697.43
program expenses
was
anticipated.
2,697.70
2,697.70
ore Revenue
ore Revenue
come
come
1,597.32
1,597.32
1,100.38
1,100.38
e
276,134.94
212,634.45
63,500.49
68.89%
68.89%
25%
25%
36%
36%
18,496.52
18,496.52
(19,227.92)
(19,227.92)
8 |
2014
2014 Expenses
Expenses
23%
23%
(103.95%)
(103.95%)
Given the significant increase in both attendance and revenue,
with the additional
expense of full-time directors, the bottom
ministration Expenses
130,037.22
ministration Expenses
130,037.22
line deficit of less
than $1,000 is very good news indeed and
blicity + Fundraising
6,454.75
blicity + Fundraising
6,454.75
od Services
evidence that50,440.85
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre is
od Services
50,440.85
ogram
25,242.80
ogram
25,242.80
rebuilding successfully.
operty Management
operty Management
Donations
Donations
Grants
Grants +
+ Other
Other Revenue
Revenue
Program
Program Revenue:
Revenue: Adult/Family
Adult/Family
Program
Program Revenue:
Revenue: Child/Youth
Child/Youth
Store
Store Revenue
Revenue
29.86%
276,134.94
212,634.45
63,500.49
29.86%
Facility maintenance
expenses
increased
primarily
due to
(731.40)
18,496.52
(19,227.92)
(103.95%)
(731.40)
18,496.52
(19,227.92)
(103.95%)
significant improvements in road surfacing for which the camp
received designated
donations,
major
renovations
4,744.50
23,999.34
(19,254.84)
(80.23%) in East
4,744.50
23,999.34
(19,254.84)
(80.23%)
4,744.50
23,999.34
(19,254.84)
(80.23%)
Block washroom,
and
new
roofs
on
Community
washroom
4,744.50
23,999.34
(19,254.84)
(80.23%)
and the south 4,744.50
side of Jolly
Roger. None
of these
projects were
23,999.34
(19,254.84)
(80.23%)
4,744.50
23,999.34
(19,254.84)
(80.23%)
23,999.34
(19,254.84)
(80.23%)
included in the4,744.50
2014
budget
but
were
contained
within the
4,744.50
23,999.34
(19,254.84)
(80.23%)
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00%
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00%
overall expense budget.
(731.40)
(731.40)
19%
19%
19%
19%
275,403.54
Administrative
expenses231,130.97
were well 44,272.57
controlled,19.16%
the majority
275,403.54
231,130.97
44,272.57
19.16%
275,403.54
231,130.97
44,272.57
19.16%
275,403.54
231,130.97
44,272.57
19.16%
of
the
increase
being
due
to
our
new
Co-Executive
Directors
e
e
ministration Expenses
130,037.22
93,140.02
36,897.20
39.62%
and the office130,037.22
administrator
working
a full year.39.62%
Food
ministration Expenses
93,140.02
36,897.20
blicity + Fundraising
6,454.75
6,688.03
(233.28)
(3.49%)
blicity + Fundraising
6,454.75
6,688.03
(233.28)
(3.49%)
services
expenses
a
substantial
due
to higher
od Services
50,440.85received
35,111.89
15,328.96 boost
43.66%
od Services
50,440.85
35,111.89
15,328.96
43.66%
ogram: Adult/Family
(165.69)
(81.92%)
ogram: Adult/Family
36.57
202.26
(165.69) in food
(81.92%)
attendance and36.57
a targeted202.26
improvement
service
ogram: Child/Youth
25,206.23
17,739.58
7,466.65
42.09%
ogram: Child/Youth
25,206.23
17,739.58
7,466.65
42.09%
quality.
63,959.32
59,752.67
4,206.65
7.04%
operty Management
63,959.32
59,752.67
4,206.65
7.04%
operty Management
pense
xpense
ome
ome
pense
pense
e
e
Maint. Grants
Maint. Grants
ncome
ncome
se
se
Maintenance Pgm
Maintenance Pgm
Expense
Expense
2013
63,959.32
63,959.32
2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package
47%
47%
9%
9%
18%
18%
2%
2%
Administration
Administration Expenses
Expenses
Publicity
Publicity +
+ Fundraising
Fundraising
Food
Services
Food Services
Program
Program
Property
Property Management
Management
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre
COMMUNICATING OUR MINISTRIES
The Fund Development and Communications Committee developed a communication strategy which was endorsed by the
Board of Directors. As part of the communication strategy a newly designed and refreshed website was launched in November
2014. To complement the new website a redesign of the Beaver Tales newsletter was also created. Beaver Tales is distributed
electronically to over 300 subscribers. We are encouraged by the rate in which the newsletter is viewed by subscribers and new
subscribers continue to be added.
With the help of very creative and dedicated volunteers, a new means of advertising for our summer camps was produced.
Traditionally a multipage brochure with all of the details for summer camp had been printed. This year, a very
professional-looking rack card was produced and printed which is designed to first
promote Gracefield camps and secondly to drive customers to our website. This
colourful card has been, and continues to be, distributed to families at churches,
schools and through every means possible. Brilliantly, the design of this card can
be used for multiple years as the detailed information is located on the website.
It is our desire to develop a rack card for each of our Ministries and is in the plan
for 2015 and onward.
This is Your
Gracefield
2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package
| 9
INDIVIDUALS
Gracefield
GALA
PLANNED GIFTS
GRANTS
MAJOR GIFTS
CHURCHES
TOTALS
2014
Christian32,500
Camp
10,000
2015
and 43,000
Retreat
12,000
56,516
56,500
2016
49,500
Centre
13,000
10,000
75,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
$109,016
$121,500
$157,500
GIVE TO YOUR
GRACEFIELD
2017
54,450
15,000
30,000
90,000
2000
20,000
$211,450
As we envision Gracefield’s future, we require your support.
Our fund development strategy provides a roadmap to
growing our ministry and fulfilling our mission.
Giving Plan 2014–2017
220,000
INDIVIDUALS
GALA
CHURCHESGRANTS PLANNED GIFTS
MAJOR GIFTS
7,778
55,813
31,526
8,659
10,000
56,500
12,000
43,000
13,000
10,000
75,000
10,000
49,500
2017
15,000
20,000
90,000
30,000
2,000
54,450
2014
2015
2016
Monthly Donations
Technology has changed the ways in which our donations can
be processed. Visit our website for a secure and easy way to
donate or become a monthly supporter of Gracefield through
the PAR program. This program will deduct the designated
amount each month either directly from your bank or credit
card. PAR donations provide Gracefield with known monthly
donations which help when planning projects.
165,000
MAJOR GIFTS
PLANNED GIFTS
GRANTS
CHURCHES
GALA
INDIVIDUALS
110,000
55,000
0
2014
2015
2016
2017
Attending Fundraising Events
Our “Gracefield in the City” Gala is one event that raises funds
for a variety of camp needs. In 2014, specific projects were
displayed for supporters to contribute in an effort to complete
the projects. The Jolly Roger roof was the main focus ($4,800
of $15,000 received), but other projects like a pellet stove for
a cabin ($175 of $1,600 received), sound baffles for the dining
hall ($1,100 of $2,655 received) and refurbishing a room in
White Pine ($100 of $1,200–3,000 received) were also projects
where supporters could direct their donation. Over $5,000
was raised for five designated projects.
All of these projects are important to the Gracefield ministries
and as we move into 2015, it is our prayer that all of these
projects will be fully funded and Gracefield supporters will
see their donation dollars at work and be as encouraged as we
are. An exceptional gift of $10,000 would complete the Jolly
Roger roof project while 10 gifts of $50 would send a child to
camp for a week. No matter the size of the gift, your support of
Gracefield is a blessing to the ministry.
Annual or Individual Gifts
As always, cheques can be mailed to the Gracefield office.
Annually, appeal requests are sent to friends of Gracefield.
We depend on these donations to help meet targeted budget
numbers. In 2014 our appeal was to help offset the costs of the
Jolly Roger roof as this expense had not been budgeted and
was somewhat unexpected. Our donors were very generous
with gifts and although the project is not yet fully funded we
were able to raise more than what had been spent on the
project in 2014. An additional $10,000 is still needed to fully
fund this project.
We believe that your first financial obligation is to your local
church. We request that you support the work of your own faith
community, before you contribute to Gracefield.
Gracefield’s Campership Fund
Did you know that $457 (524.43 with tax) sends a child to
Camp? Last summer women’s groups and churches took
on the challenge to reach out to their communities to find
needy children to sponsor for a week away at camp. Many
committed to reserving camp spots prior to even finding
the children. Special efforts were made to connect with
school and community groups to identify potential campers.
Some children who attended were new Canadians, some
had parents who were ill, and some were from financially
challenged homes. Donors also supported Gracefield’s
Campership Fund, a fund that assists families who contact
Gracefield directly, requesting a Gracefield subsidy through
an application. We are grateful for the various ways our
children arrived at Gracefield and how each of them are now
part of our Gracefield Christian camp family. Please consider
supporting Gracefield’s Campership fund this year.
* All monetary donations over $10 are eligible for a charitable donation receipt which is issued annually.
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2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre
Share your gifts with us
Volunteers are always welcome! Whether or not your
circumstances allow you to be generous in financial support,
Gracefield always needs volunteers or contributions of goods
and services. What an awesome way to be able to share your
skill with a ministry you believe in while spending time in a
place as renewing as Gracefield.
Prayerfully consider how you can support the ministries at
Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre.
THANKFULNESS
Gracefield is so very fortunate to be able to partner with so
many who support our ministry. These partnerships do not go
unnoticed or unrecognized.
As a ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, Synod of
Québec and Eastern Ontario, and under the oversight of the
Presbytery of Ottawa, Gracefield is indebted to their gracious
support.
Each donation received is used to further the ministry in one
area or another. Thank you for coming alongside and making
this ministry possible.
STORY BY JOHN C. MAXWELL
from his book, Be All you Can Be
He is telling of a youngster going door to door
for his cause and the “woman opened the door,
and he said, ‘Ma’am, would you buy one or two
pencils from me? I’m going to help build a
$30M hospital for our community.’
She said, “Sonny, that’s a mighty big goal for just
one kid selling pencils for a nickel. He said,
“Oh, Ma’am, it’s not just me alone. See that boy
across the street? He is my partner. He’s helping.
We’re really doing it together.”
This little boy had great faith in a partner who was
probably his equal. Should we not have this kind
of confidence in a God who is unequaled,
a God who is in partnership with us to
make our lives fruitful?
We believe God is our partner.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and
I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do
nothing.” John 15:5.
There is a great fruitful future at Gracefield.
NEW FOR 2015
✓✓Clergy Retreat for Ministers and their spouse to come
to rest, refuel and renew after the busy Easter season.
(April 7-10, 2015)
✓✓For those who just finished school, or are still busy with
work and just want some downtime, Gracefield offers a
retreat for those ages 18 and above. Bible studies, faith
based discussions about the role that faith plays in your
life now; including talks from a guest speaker. Canoeing,
archery, ropes course, and wide games will be also
offered throughout the weekend with plenty of time to
just relax. (May 22-24, 2015)
✓✓Discovery Camp is an introductory camp experience for
a parent and young child to experience many traditional
Gracefield camp activities. Parent and child come
together and stay in a cabin and get familiar with camp.
(June 26-28, 2015)
✓✓Family Camp will be a full week of activities in July.
Come camp or stay in one of our lodges. Enjoy both
planned times of interactive family activities as well as
times to relax and rejuvenate. A special speaker with
passion for families as well as making the Bible come alive
will provide us with spiritual encouragement.
(June 28—July 3, 2015)
✓✓Gracefield is growing again. Our largest camps
last year were our youngest campers. Their joy and
exuberance was certainly enjoyed by all. We look forward
to seeing these children return with their friends this
year and have included two additional
weeks for the 7–9 and 9–11 year olds.
(July 12–17 and July 26–31, 2015).
✓✓We also have added additional
incentive for families to reach out to
their children’s friends. Bring Three You
Camp Free! If you bring three friends
that have not come to camp within the
last two summers, you can come for free!
BRI G
THRN
YOU EE
C
FREAEMP
!
✓✓Care for Caregivers caring for family members. This
retreat is designed for those caring for family members
and others and who would benefit from some time of
self-care. Come enjoy the fall colours and be rejuvenated
through biblical inspiration, Christian community and
comradely. (October 2015)
“Gracefield is a unique congregation without
walls where all worshippers are welcome.”
—David Whitehead
2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package
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Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre
KEEP IN TOUCH
If you have any questions,
suggestions or concerns
YES, I WANT TO SUPPORT GRACEFIELD!
Name ________________________________________________________________________
please contact us
Daytime Phone ________________________________________________________________
Gracefield Christian Camp
& Retreat Centre
Address ______________________________________________________________________
37 Chemin des Loisirs; CP 420
Gracefield, Quebec J0X 1W0
Email
[email protected]
Website
www.gracefieldcamp.ca
Facebook
/GracefieldCampConf
Twitter
@GracefieldCCRC
Instagram
@GracefieldCCRC
Toll Free
Email _________________________________________________________________________
I wish to receive occasional email communication q Yes q No
q I want to give a monthly donation of $______ on the ______ of each month.
q I want to give a one-time donation of q $100 q $75 q $50 q other ______
q Cheque enclosed q Bill my credit card q Visa q MasterCard
Name on Credit Card __________________________________________________________
Credit Card Number ___________________________________________________________
Expiry Date _______ / _______
Signature _____________________________________________________________________
Date __________________________________________________________________________
888–493–CAMP (2267)
Local Call
819–463–2465
Registered Charity
#89568 1930 RR0001
Gracefield is proud to be certified and affiliated with:
DONATE NOW
The ministries at Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre depend on a variety of fundraising efforts and generous
donors. You may choose to contribute to Gracefield for a specific project, or on a more general basis. You may also
consider donating to the Campership Fund which helps children and young adults enjoy our camp experience, who would
not otherwise be able to do so.
You can donate by mailing a cheque, calling the office with your credit card, or online through our secure Canada Helps
website. Monthly donations are possible though the PAR program—please call the office for more information.
A tax receipt will be issued for all monetary donations.
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2014 Annual Report & 2015 Stewardship Package