Brookwood ministry a council priority
by Ana Watts
Members of the Camp Brookwood board presented an overview of the
camp’s needs for the coming season to the Diocesan Council when it met in Woodstock Nov. 7. Archbishop Claude Miller congratulated the seven members in attendance for their show of solidarity and assured them their vision and ministry for the camp is a priority of council. “You’re not out there working by yourselves,” he said.
Board chair Mary Lee Phillips reported to council that Brookwood attendance increased 50 per cent in the summer 2009 season, with increased interest in the surrounding communities as well as from people farther away. She also said the board was pleased with the quality of applicants they had for camp jobs. “Some years we have had to solicit applications, break arms,” she quipped. “But last year we had five or six people apply and they were quality applications. That’s exciting.”
The board has made a lot of improvements to the camp in recent years and managed to stretch their dollars to the limit.
“This group knows all about the stewardship of time, talent and resources,” said Archdeacon Walter Williams. The camp resides in his archdeaconry. “Everyone helps to make things happen at Brookwood. They take a few dollars and make a lot happen. Give them a dollar and they put 10 back. They have the brain power and physical labour, they just need a bit of money, and I think we can help.”
Archbishop David Edwards of Saint John thanked the camp for participating in an experiment involving inner city children from Saint John. “The kids all had a great time and they want to come back.”
It is Camp Brookwood policy not to turn away, due to lack of funds, any child who wants a camp experience.
Replacing the wooden pool-deck, preferably with coated concrete, is among the camp’s necessary major upgrades. The fencing around the pool also needs attention.
Recent work in the washrooms revealed rotting boards and mould. The fixtures also need to be replaced. Funding sources for this work are as yet unconfirmed.
Archbishop Miller told the board that he has initiated phase three of the Camps Campaign in support of the camping ministry in the diocese and that of course Camp Brookwood is included in it.
“We hope for a major response and hopefully funds will be available for the vision you have, especially for showers and washrooms and apron for the pool,” he said. “You are a very important and high priority in the diocese.”
