The Official Blog of Camp Columbia!

Drop Off / Pick Up Location Change

2010-06-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

Please note the change in location for 2010 for the Camper Day In & Day Out Drop Off / Pick Up. We will now be meeting at St. Michael's Anglican Church in Chemainus at the corner of Willow Street & Mill Street. Parking is available across the street beside the post office. We will no longer be meeting in Water Wheel Park.

If you have any questions please contact the camp office 1-866-946-3751.

Looking forward to seeing you at camp this summer.....

Summer is Just Around The Corner

2010-06-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

Summer is just around the corner and things are taking shape for what promises to be an amazing summer at Camp! The dock is in and our staff are busy preparing the summer programs with all of your old favorites and some new surprises too.

Don't forget to register soon to save your spot for summer 2010!

A huge thank you to all the people who have volunteered their time and skills to make camp look better than ever.

Cant wait to see you at camp this summer for what promises to be one of the most exciting yet!

GOOD NEWS FOLKS!

2010-02-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

Good news folks! There WILL be ministry at camp this summer. The website will be updated early next week, but i thought you all deserved to know first. I have been asked to co-ordinate the summer program. I know many members of this facebook group are still grieving the losses associated with the suspension, but summer... camp for 2010 is good news! Please help get the word out ... I can be reached at Christ Church Cathedral 250-383-2714 or rmacintosh@christchurchcathedral.bc.ca ...

Ruth Macintosh

September Newsletter!

2009-09-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

For the September/October 2009 newsletter, please click here.

Summer Staff 2009 Video

2009-08-27T12:15:00.001-07:00

There is a little slideshow montage of the summer staff 2009 if you'd like to take a look, please click here. A glimpse of all the fun memories being on staff has been!

It's over already?

2009-08-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

The summer is not over yet but it is time for us to start thinking about September and the months beyond. Here is the first opportunity for you, your friends, and/or your family can rid yourself of any camp withdrawal post-summer months - Fall Work Weekend.

Our Fall Work Weekend is happening September 18-20th. This one is of particular importance because Diocesan Council (the group of people from the Diocese of BC that make big decisions) will be meeting at camp the weekend of October 2-4th. This is great as many of the people on Diocesan Council have never been to camp and we want to put our best foot forward. With that said, there will be a lot of cleaning, grooming, landscaping, painting, etc. We need YOUR help!

Our Christmas Youth Retreat is happening December 11-13th. The cost is $75 if you register before October 31st and $85 if you register afterwards. There is no requirement for you to bring a youth leader with you this year. As with all of the other years, registration has filled up quick and our spaces our limited! Speak to your youth leader about being the first to register 10 kids and get the St. Columba special. The theme will be "Heroes and Champions" but you'll actually have to be here to see what that's all about.

We have more things happening with camp all the time. Check out our upcoming events to find the latest.

"I LOVED EVERYTHING"

2009-07-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

...has been written on many of the camper's evaluations after their week at camp and we're not even halfway through. With Girls' Camp and Boys Wilderness Camps coming to a close, we also look forward to the next couple of weeks with a jam packed Teen Camp, Family Camp, and Act Up Theatre Camp.

With campers stretching their faces to catch the marshmellow to the campers screaming their lungs off as they go tubing, I'm happy to report that our summer has been a blast thus far. A few snippets of things to enjoy if you haven't yet made it here this summer are the "Asian Sensation Dinner"

(image has been blurred to protect staff identities, but really...we still know who they are!)

to our inaugural 5+ year camper awards:

Kaitlynd (left) and Nicole (right)

you're guaranteed to enjoy what summer 2009 has to offer. There are still spaces in 7s 8s 9s, Sr. Coed #2, as well as Mini Adventures #1. Don't forget if you're looking to earn some valuable leadership experience we have our one week Crew program and three week Leader In Training program starting August 2nd. We hope to see you all here! Have a great rest of the summer everyone.

SUMMER CAMP NUMBERS UPDATE

2009-06-29T16:17:00.001-07:00

Summer camp is filling up. Please stay posted to this blog for further updates on our registration numbers: (updated Aug. 6th - listed in percent full)

7s 8s 9s - 70%
Mini Adventures 1 - 30%
Sr. Coed #2 - 30%

LIT 2 - in progress
Crew 6 - in progress
Family Camp - in progress
Act Up Theatre Camp - in progress

Teen Camp - completed
Girls Camp - completed
Boys Wilderness - completed
Jr. Coed - completed
Sr. Coed #1 - completed
Crew 1/2/3/4/5 - completed

Crew 8 - FULL

Waitlists are being taken for all full sessions. Please call if you would like more information on our Crew or LIT leadership programs. Toll-free 1-866-946-3751.

2 FEATURE VOLUNTEERS

2009-06-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

You might remember Kevin Carrigan and Suzanne Vander Wekken. They are coming to volunteer this summer and be a part of our awesome camp programs.

"Hello everyone! If you were around in summer 2007 you may remember me as I was the program director. This summer I am coming back especially to be a speaker for Girls Camp, which in my experience is hands down the greatest camp of the summer! I am excited to get to know all of you who are going to be there.

As a speaker I am especially looking forward to sharing with you some of my stories and things I have learned about God, His unbeatable love and how we can get to know Him in our day to day lives. Hopefully you will have some good questions and stories you can share with me too!

In the meantime, just a bit about me...I have just finished my degree in Recreation & Heath Education and am working on a Healthy Eating project at the University of Victoria. My favorite pastimes are talking with my friends, cycling, travelling (in this picture I am in Guatemala), eating chocolate, and taking photos of people having fun...so watch out for me behind a camera! See all you amigas in July! Suzanne aka Miss Pixie"

"I was the Program Director in 2006 and I love camp and the highlight of every summer for me is when I get to go to camp! I grew up in the suburbs of Vancouver and moved to "The Island" a few years ago. When I'm not at camp, you can find me in Duncan where I work at a church doing youth and music stuff. At teen camp this summer, we'll be having a blast playing wacky games, going tubing on the boat, and getting up to all sorts of chaos and fun!

As well, we'll be chatting about life and what it's all about. We'll be laughing, watching videos, and interacting with each other as we discuss the issues that are important to us as teenagers and young adults. I hope you'll plan on coming to teen camp this summer because it's going to be a blast! See you there!!! Kevin aka Slurpee"

OFFERING SUBSIDIES FOR SUMMER CAMP...

2009-06-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

There was an article in the Cowichan Valley Citizen about the freeze on government subsidies for children attending summer camps. We would like to assist you in this difficult time to send your children to a place we know and understand to be of so much value - camp.

We still have vacancies in many of our weeks like the upcoming Jr. Coed for ages 9-11, July 5 - 10 and Sr. Coed 1 ages 11-13, July 12 - 17 . If you and/or family friends of yours would like to be a part of camp this summer, please consider Camp Columbia and we will do our best to subsidize the cost of attending summer camp!

Our camp office can be contacted toll free at 1-866-946-3751.

SPACES STILL OPEN - SUMMER CAMP

2009-06-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

We have spaces open in all sessions for summer camp (except Boys Wilderness). Some camps are filling up faster than others. Don't miss your opportunity to be a part of camping tradition here at Camp Columbia. We have 62 years of camping excellence. We offer bursaries to those in need of financial assistance and welcome all ages to come and participate at camp.

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to contact our camp office toll free at 1-866-946-3751 or via email at admin@campcolumbia.com. We hope to see you here this summer!

JUNE NEWSLETTER!

2009-06-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

For the June newsletter, please click here!

MEL & SACHI UPDATE 3

2009-05-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

Mel and Sachi have arrived at Camp Columbia this May 24th safely, unfortunately they arrived via car from Victoria. If you didn't catch the previous updates they were unable to make the entire trip from Winnipeg to Victoria because their bodies fell prey to injury. They have been visiting the physiotherapist 2-3 times/week in the hopes they can complete their trip at the end of the summer from Thetis Island to Winnipeg! They will be riding throughout the summer up and down Vancouver Island to help complete some of the kilometres they promised you...

If you made a pledge towards their expedition and would like information or updates on their ride, please email eric@campcolumbia.com. Stay tuned for pictures! (they have misplaced their digital camera...)

MEL & SACHI UPDATE #2

2009-05-06T10:06:00.001-07:00

The latest on Mel and Sachi is that they are resting their bodies back in Victoria due to the strain and pain of the trip. Both of them had knee problems and had difficulty moving their legs at the knees. If you know either of them at all, you would understand this decision is the last decision they wanted to make as their commitment to this has already been displayed through the time, money, planning, and effort undertaking this ride. As they described to me, "their bodies quit before their will".

They would like you all to know they plan to finish the total kilometers they originally planned on riding from Winnipeg to Thetis here on Vancouver Island. Not many people their age commit themselves so wholly to anything these days that this has been an encouragement and statement to many. Thank-you Mel and Sachi! We hope for a speedy recovery so you may return to riding your bikes...stay tuned for pictures.

MEL AND SACHI UPDATE

2009-04-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

Mel and Sachi have started their bike ride from Winnipeg to Thetis Island. They are updating a separate blog when they get the chance. If you would like to keep track of their progress and see how they're doing, visit here or click on the link on the right-hand side!

WORK WEEKEND FUN!

2009-04-20T15:52:00.001-07:00

We had a great work weekend with over 35 people in attendance between Friday and Sunday. Our old dock which was destroyed in winter storms was taken apart to be disposed of properly from a group of men from Port Alberni who worked tirelessly on the project (below):

Other main projects included the painting of Heneage doors and hallways, painting the benches outside, gardening and landscaping in and around Heneage, raking the leaves all over the site, burning the burn pile, painting interiors of cabins, and some upgrades to the Farside building. Thanks so much to all of the people who gave their time and energy into all the different projects around camp this last weekend. It was a fruitful time of fellowship and camp is looking very cared for because of the efforts donated this weekend.

WORK WEEKEND APRIL 17-19

2009-04-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Join the work weekend this April 17-19 for FREE. If you love camp and would love to help make the place beautiful, join us this weekend. There are jobs painting, cleaning, moving, burning, gardening, organizing and other things you can help out with. If you have specialized skills like carpentry or plumbing please let us know so we ensure your skills are put to use! We encourage you to bring your own tools if you would like. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

MOTHER'S DAY TEA - MAY 10

2009-04-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day Tea
Date: May 10, 2009

Come and enjoy a beautiful afternoon at camp as a mother or with your mother (all other family members invited too). We will be serving English tea sandwiches, salads, and shortcakes.

Cost: $12 adults, $5 children
Click here for the poster

APRIL 2009 NEWSLETTER

2009-03-31T17:06:00.000-07:00

APRIL 2009 NEWSLETTER! Click anywhere here.

JOIN THE TEAM...

2009-03-19T13:40:00.000-07:00

....the Fundraising Committee team! This team is looking for members. If you would like to be involved in helping out with special events, take part in planning new initiatives and be a part of raising funds for camp, this is the committee for you. This is a working group. That means this group is DOING things. If you would like more information or would like to attend the next meeting to learn more about the happenings at camp and fundraising, please contact mrbenjohnson@gmail.com.

SACHI JOINS THE RIDE!

2009-03-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

That's right, Sachi Ihara will be riding with Melanie Duckworth from Winnipeg to Thetis Island. Sachi has been a part of summer staff since 2004 and is coming back again this 2009!!!

Help support their ride and gather pledges to give Camp Columbia a longer and brighter future for children, youth and families to enjoy for ages to come. If you would like an updated pledge sheet, please click here!

SUMMER APPLICATIONS

2009-03-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

February 28th, 2009 is the deadline on job posts and the website. However, if you downloaded the job application form the last page says March 10, 2006 which is obviously the incorrect date. We will continue to accept applications until March 10 just in case there was any confusion about 2006 & 2009. In the meantime, we are shortlisting applicants and will be calling qualified applicants for interviews over March 11 - 13th. If you require an answer sooner than the time period listed, please call us and let us know and we will do what we can to assist you! Thanks for your patience.

Melanie's Grand Bike Ride

2009-02-10T14:48:00.000-08:00

Melanie Duckworth is a trooper. She will be riding her bicycle from Winnepeg, Manitoba to Chemainus, British Columbia this summer. This is 2408 km according to Google Maps and takes 1 day and 3 hours of DRIVING! (It doesn't give time estimates for bicycles.) Why is she doing this?

This spectacular feat is going to be accomplished because she believes in Camp Columbia. She believes in seeing young people come to know Christ in a meaningful way. She believes in forming lasting relationships with campers and with staff. She believes in the community, the family, and the brothers and sisters that are called to be at Camp Columbia. She believes this will help give Camp Columbia a better hope and future. She believes this furthers God's kingdom and she believes this will make a difference.

If you believe in the same things, please pledge to "Melanie's Grand Bike Ride". If you would be willing to work with her, gather pledges from your friends and neighbors. People can pledge for as little as ONE PENNY per KM up to $1 per KM. At the end of her ride, collect your pledges and mail the money in to "Camp Columbia - re: Melanie's Bike Ride". If you would like to make a pledge, please fill out the sheet for yourself and send your pledge by mail.

Pledge sheets can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE!

FEBRUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER

2009-02-08T21:07:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER! Click anywhere here.

FUNDRAISER DINNER FEB. 21ST

2009-01-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

We are having Camp Columbia's 8th annual fundraiser dinner this February 21st, 2009 at the Olympic View Golf Course in Metchosin. Tickets are $50 and we are offering shuttle service from downtown Victoria to the golf course and back. If you are interested in purchasing a single ticket or a reserving a table of 8, email admin@campcolumbia.com for more information.

Click here for the poster.

SUMMER REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

2009-01-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

The moment you've been eagerly anticipating is now here. Summer schedule is posted and registration is now open. If you would like to peek at our summer brochure, please click here. If you would like to go to the registration page, please click here.

If you have any questions about registration with the summer, email admin@campcolumbia.com or call toll free 1-866-946-3751.

Supporter for Camp!

2009-01-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

Would you like to know how to support camp in 2009? Click here to view the supporter form, print it, and mail it in to camp. Every dollar that is donated towards camp is very needed and very appreciated!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

The staff at Camp Columbia would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

GET INVOLVED...HERE'S HOW...

2008-11-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

Want to get involved with camp? You don't have to wait for summer to happen before you can get in on the action. We have several ways you can get involved in camp.

#1) Christmas Youth Retreat (for more info click here)
#2) Work weekends, they are free but you do need to be accompanied by an adult if you are under 18
#3) Join the CCAF, Camp Columbia Alumni and Friends. For $10 you get a lifetime membership and will belong to a group of people who get themselves a special weekend in the middle of the summer to enjoy camp to themselves!
#4) Become a supporter. There are different levels to becoming a member but for as little as $35 you will belong to a supporter list that receives newsletters and other information about camp firsthand!
#5) Volunteer for a parish dinner. What is a parish dinner? A small group of staff and volunteers go to a parish and cook and serve dinner, and then provide a bit of entertainment and talk about how awesome camp is.
#6) Save Canadian Tire money, save small change for a year, buy gift certificates to your favorite stores through camp, shop a Thrifty Foods with a Camp Columbia Smile Card...there are lots of ways! You get the idea...

REFRESH - NOVEMBER 23

2008-11-05T23:53:00.000-08:00

REFRESH YOUTH SERVICE

...is happening this month on Sunday, November 23rd at St. Columba church in Victoria. The address is 40 High Street and it’s just off of W. Burnside Road.

This is a worship based youth service meant for anyone between the ages of 13 and older with an amplified band playing today's popular contemporary Christian music and a speaker that is sure to challenge where you are and teach you new things.

Come on out and take part. The new refresh youth services are no longer a monthly event so don't miss out on our next one!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

2008-11-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

Get the November/December newsletter HERE!

PHOTOS FROM CAMP

2008-10-31T10:46:00.001-07:00

Do you have pictures of summer camp you'd like to upload? We have a flickr account and there is a "Camp Columbia" group you can upload pictures through.

UPCOMING PARISH DINNERS

2008-10-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Parish Dinner Schedule:

Sunday November 16, 2008 - St. Peter Quamichan, Cowichan Deanery

Friday November 21, 2008 - St. John the Divine, Victoria

Saturday January 31, 2009 - St. Luke, Victoria

Friday Feb 6, 2009 - St. Andrew, Sidney

Contact camp to get involved or organize an event for your parish!

PARISH DINNERS

2008-10-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Campbell River & Port Alberni

We've had 2 Parish Dinners in Campbell River and Port Alberni and they've both been wonderful events. It was an excellent opportunity for the parish to share in a dinner together while supporting Camp Columbia at the same time.

People who attended were treated to some camp songs, a camp slideshow and small presentation about where we are and where we are headed. A big thanks to both parishes that helped organize these events and raise support for camp! (And a special thanks to all former camp staff Dan, Ben, Sachi, Tamara, and Lucas. Kudos to Shannon and Mike for all of their hard work!)

A huge thanks to St. John Cobble Hill, St. Mary Magdalene, Mayne Island, St. Peter Campbell River, and Trinity Church Port Alberni who have hosted and supported us with our Spaghetti endeavors this year. (Mary Magdalene Parish made a donation in lieu of us coming over to do a dinner.)

Contact camp to organize your event for 2009.

WORK WEEKEND CANCELED

2008-10-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

FALL WORK WEEKEND CANCELED

We've had to cancel our work weekend with little notice unfortunately. Mike, Shannon, and Eric are not able to be there and thus we will have to postpone this event. It will be rescheduled so we'll still have an opportunity to get to camp, have fun, and beautify the property. Sorry and thanks for your understanding!

ADULTS ADVENT NOV. 21

2008-09-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

Adults Advent Weekend - Nov. 21-23
Advent is a time of soul-searching longing for God, a time of waiting with hope and of watching for signs of God's advent. What signs are there all around us that show us God's presence in the world? What Good News do we have for those who are without hope? How do we live as people of hope? In anticipating Advent we'll reflect this weekend on the ways in which we wait, and watch, and live in the signs of God's faithfulness.

The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine will lead this weekend. This will be a weekend woven with theme talks, music, quiet and fellowship within the beautiful surroundings of Camp Columbia.

The weekend begins in the evening Friday and ends after the noon meal on Sunday. Supper will be served on the Friday evening.

For more information contact Ted tcm@mcleodhome.ca or Frances fem@mcleodhome.ca click here for the poster.

COLLEGE & CAREER WEEKEND NOV. 14

2008-09-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

College and Career Weekend - Nov. 14-16

"What does it mean to 'belong' in the 21st century? Is it simply having the most friends and belonging to the most groups in Facebook? Having your cell phone constantly ringing
and beeping from all the text messages and phone calls? Or is it something more?

Being a Christian, among many other things, is belonging to the family of God. What does that mean for the 21st century Christian? Are the things we use truly 'tools' to better build intimacy and friendship or have they become hindrances to discovering the richness found in true Christian friendship and community?

Come join me as we look at what it means to be a 21st century Christian in light of the fullness we see of the God shaped life we find in Scripture."

Chris Yue has been a pastor for the past 15 years in Victoria/Vancouver/Duncan. He has a passion for youth and adults to be reached in a way that is real and relevant. Be challenged this weekend not only through scripture but through real life application and a group of people who are seeking to do the same.

This November is our College and Career Weekend for young adults 19+. The weekend involves some sports, some games, some singing, good food, and a great speaker. Bring a bathing suit for an early spring dip in the ocean or dirty clothes for our mud tackle soccer game. Cozy up by the fireplace with your favorite book or go for a brisk hike around the island. This is the 3rd annual weekend for this event and we’re looking forward to seeing you there.

Speaker: Pastor Chris Yue
Ages: 19+
Registration fee: $75
Cheques payable to Camp Columbia re: College & Career Weekend

Click here to register.

WOMEN'S RETREAT OCT. 24

2008-09-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

Fall Women's Retreat - October 24 - 26, 2008

Sarah Donnelly, BA, MA in Divinity will be leading "Be Still and Know That I Am God", the Rev. Sheila Flynn will be the Spiritual Director and Diane Bell the Music Leader for this wonderful fall retreat.

Early registration is encouraged - Early Bird (on or before Oct. 1) - $115 per person
Registration fee: After Oct. 1 - $130 per person ($50 non refundable deposit, in the event of cancellation the $50 is tax receipted to you)
Cheques payable to Camp Columbia re Fall Women's Retreat

Click here to register.

WORK WEEKEND OCT. 3RD

2008-09-29T11:36:00.001-07:00

Fall Work Weekend - October 3-5

Our fall work weekend starts this Friday, October 3rd. The fee is FREE but registration is a must. We have 2 work weekends a year so don't miss out on your opportunity at a fun weekend that helps beautify camp. If you are under the age of 16, you must be accompanied by an adult. Please register here or call 1-866-946-3751 for more information.

WEBSITE IS LIVE

2008-09-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

Our new website is now live.

There are 2 sides to the website, one for our summer camps and one for our prospective rental groups. Pictures will be updated in the lower right-hand corner in the near future so don't go far. We hope you like the new layout!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER NEWSLETTER!

2008-09-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Get the September/October newsletter HERE!

Big Thank-You!

2008-08-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the campers, volunteers and staff that made summer 2008 another awesome summer. We had more campers, more fun, and more memories.

We will be posting all the summer pictures with our new website so stay tuned.

Halfway there

2008-07-30T01:31:00.001-07:00

We have had amazing weather and amazing camps and we're halfway done! Sr. Coed #2 is filling up super fast but we still have space in 7s 8s 9s and Teen Camp. Don't miss out on your highlight for the summer. Summer 2008 pictures will be updated on the website soon....stay tuned.

Summer 2008 Registrations

2008-06-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

THANKS FOR A GREAT SUMMER! WE HAD THE BEST CAMPERS IN THE WORLD!!

Junior Co-ed	9-11	July 6-11	COMPLETED
Senior Co-ed #1	12-14	July 13-18	COMPLETED
Girls Camp	10-14	July 20-25	COMPLETED
Boys Wilderness Camp	9-12	July 20-25	COMPLETED
Family Camp	all ages	July 26-30	COMPLETED
Ages 7s 8s 9s	7-9	August 4-8	COMPLETED
Senior Co-ed #2	12-14	August 10-15	COMPLETED
Teen Camp	15-18	August 17-22	COMPLETED
CREW #1	14-17	June 30-July 4	COMPLETED
CREW #2	14-17	July 6-11	COMPLETED
CREW #3	14-17	August 17-22	COMPLETED
IFCC #1	15-18	July 13-25	COMPLETED
IFCC #2	15-18	August 4-15	COMPLETED
Missions Trip - Alert Bay	15-18	July 26-30	COMPLETED

GUESTBOOK

2008-06-04T20:49:00.001-07:00

Want to say hello...leave a comment!

WELCOME TO THE NEW CAMP COLUMBIA BLOG!

2008-06-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

We hope you like the simple and easy to use format!

Take some time to say hello to old friends in one of the open posts or check out our upcoming events. If you have any feedback about our new blog, I'd love to hear it.