ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 Do Unto Others...

Message from the Board Chair…

Well, the camping summer of 2020 was definitely one for the history books! Covid-19 threw a wrench into our plans for late night campfires, sleepouts, and singing in enclosed spaces. Necessity is the mother of invention, so the saying goes, and LBC found a way to salvage the best of a summer, all while keeping our campers and staff safe.

We held 7 week-long day camps, as well as a Leaders In Training week, welcoming 243 campers out to LBC over the summer months. I would like to thank our staff, volunteers, board, and especially our Execu- tive Director, Vicki Nelson, for all of their flexibility, inventiveness, and problem solving abilities which ena- bled us to adapt to ever changing health guidelines. When the announcement came in August that the start of the school year was to be delayed by a week, staff were assembled, registration went live on the website, and we sold out an extra week in just a couple of days. It felt great to be able to help solve childcare issues for working families, and to squeeze one more week of fun out of our beautiful site!

This summer certainly didn’t roll out as we had imagined it, but there are silver linings to every cloud. Ap- proximately 50% of our campers this year were first time attendees to LBC, and we welcome any opportuni- ty to introduce camp to those who have never been.

While we look forward to overnight camps resuming in the future, we are lucky for our proximity to the city, which al- lowed for day camps to even be a possibility.

The LBC board is busy as ever, dreaming up new projects and renovations to our site, and planning (as much as is pos- sible these days) for the summer of 2021.

Thank you to our wonderful campers, staff, volunteers, and fellow board members for a summer we won’t soon forget. To all the parents who register your kiddos every summer, but especially in a year as uncertain as this one, thank you for placing your trust in us.

Chelsey Vargo Wilson

LBC’s youngest day campers go for a paddle Board Chair 2019-2020 Board of Directors

Chair- Chelsey Vargo-Wilson

Vice Chair- Courtney Thomson

Secretary- Amanda Benesh

Treasurer– Ben Freitag

Directors- Kevin Perrey Caitlyn Mazden

Board Members use maps and construction paper to imagine the Vicki Conway Wayne Teetaert future of LBC’s buildings.

A message from our Director

The 2020 season has come to an end and what a wild ride it has been! This year, as we all know, has been full of changes, cancellations, and adaptations. In the spring, it looked like camp was not even possible; but just when we thought we were down and out, camp pulls us back in - no matter the circumstances!

It was a surprise and pleasure to return as Director this summer, with the help of Jensen Graham, Vicki Nelson, Karen & Mike Hadwen starting off the season and working tirelessly to make the adjustments needed for camp to be functional after so many uncertainties. Staff stepped in so nonchalantly and adapted quickly to new guidelines, making it look easy! The families I was fortunate enough to chat with, were definitely delighted with the outcome.

There were so many wonderful people working behind the scenes to get camp up and running, that we managed to successfully accomplish seven weeks of summer programming fit for a pandemic. With more sanitization than camp has ever seen before, campers were still able to come together and share in the goofiness of camp. Laughter was shared, bullseyes were hit and many a canoe was tipped (most on purpose). Campers and staff had a lot of daytime fun with the added bonus of sleeping in their own beds. Though some “normal” camp aspects were missed, many new campers were able to test the waters for the first time ever, without the commitment of being away from their bubble for an entire week. Returning campers were able to show them the ropes and were also thankful to be getting their fill of camp silliness.

This year has been weird and different and unexpected but through it all, it only further cemented the love and appreciation I have for LBC and this community. If we can get through a global pandemic smiling, surely we can get through anything! Thank you to everyone involved this summer.

It was a pleasure, Kylie Orr (Guppy) Guppy is a camp machine

2 Executive Director Report Powered by People

Instead of a report that is an overview of the summer, I want to tell you about Mike & Karen Hadwen and how their hard work made this summer possible.

In March, as the world was shutting down Mike, Karen and their daughters were in Nepal part way through a year-long trip around the world. Like so many things, COVID cut their dream short. Back home in Melfort, Karen and I spoke while they were still in their two-week Keely, Karen & Mike (with Wilbur the dog) quarantine. Even in those early days, when we had no idea what would happen, Karen was ready to help—“Tell us what you need” she offered. That offer turned into Mike and Karen co-leading and co-cooking at our staff training. They served as Directors during the first day camp session, working with staff to set up sanitizing regimes, non-singing campfires, socially distanced games and more. They came back a third time to cook during our LIT program. Plus in between they, and their daughters (Alia & Keely) cleaned, mowed, hauled, babysat and painted, keeping camp looking great.

When I think about what it takes to run a summer camp, I think about Karen and Mike. They step up. They ask what is needed and they do it. They model this service and hard work for younger leaders, and LBC as a whole is so much stronger because of the love they give it.

Thank you Karen & Mike. You rock! Vicki Nelson. Executive Director

2020 Staff Pre-Season Staff—Jensen Graham (Olive) Program Coordinator—Eilis Gribbon (Indigo) Camp Cooks (plus Session 1 Directors) - Karen & Mike Hadwen (Shamrock & Shamwow) LIT Coordinators—Cam & Cheryl Hymus-Fraser (Puddle & Portage) Summer Director– Kylie Orr (Guppy) Executive Director - Vicki Nelson (Cactus)

LBC’s Amazing Cabin Leaders: William Powers (Forte), Nicole Pettigrew (Aspen), Jensen Graham (Olive), Olivia Burlotti (Ivy), Sarah Black (Echo), Eugenia Argenia (Birdie), Elizabeth DeCoste (Aqua), Alex Graham (Simba), Cole Os- Some staff at sunset borne (Toucan), Avery Stronski (Mako), Erica Stronski (Finch)

3 Financial Information

Twinning is winning in LBC gear

In 2019-2020 LBC had $33,473 Net Income

Financial Position at September 30. 2020

Current Assets $ 685,929 Fixed Assets $ 306,962 TOTAL Assets $ 992,891

Liabilities $ 57,386 Designated Funds $ 562,126 Equity $ 935,504 TOTAL Liabilities and Equity $ 992,891

Exploring and meeting (green) friends

4 Registration Information

Campers Per Session

Session Campers LIT 15 Session 1 42 Session 2 42 Session 3 29 Session 4 30 Session 5 25 Session 6 30

Chilly and fun Day Camp on October 4, 2019 Session 7 30

The summer of 2020 saw LBC run Day Camps instead of overnight camps. Camper numbers at these sessions were dramatically reduced.

In total there were 243 camper registered. This is down by 164.

Prior to the pandemic, we ran two single day camps (one in October at LBC and one in January out of Knox-Metropolitan United Church). These 2 days saw 39 campers.

Day campers get to do many regular LBC activities

5 Giving that spans the Generations By Bonnie Yake I grew up on a farm on the Qu’Appelle Valley near Lake. My 4 sisters and I became intimately acquainted with our little section of it as we took turns going to get our milking cows morning and afternoon. They could be along the top of the hills, down in the valley or up on the hill on the other side. We saw tiger lilies every summer in the far east corner, prickly-shelled hazelnuts down a ravine, and picked saskatoons on the hill. In the summer we did gardening chores in the morning and walked through our coulee to in the afternoon.

My Grandfather established our farm in 1904, using the coulee grasslands as pasture for cattle, and the rich clay land on top of the hill to grow crops. Using horse and wagon, he and his sons hauled grain, ice and more, depending on the season. They woke early and worked hard. Bonnie at Stephen’s Coulee The landscape made a big impact on how they lived their lives. Now, seeing circles of stones, I wonder about earlier, Indigenous inhabitants of this land.

Grandma and Grandpa (James and Carrie Stephens), and Mum and Dad (Audrey and Jonathan Stephens) were all staunch supporters of the United Church. We went to church every Sunday without fail. They believed wholeheartedly in life-long learning, compassion and selfless love, and modelled those every day.

I discovered and fell in love with Camp in the 90’s. Of course it was so reminiscent of my childhood home nestled in the valley. Our daughters and several of their cousins started going when they were 6. It is a place where kids have the best, active fun of their lives, learn crazy and beautiful camp songs, and feel the exhilaration of being connected to nature and each other. I remember the excitement after the first camp about the treehouse and drums up the hill, the yummy food, the beloved counsellor, the special friend. As a kitchen volunteer, I remember the pain and joy I felt as a camper shared that he was used to being bullied and left out, but at LBC, he had felt welcomed and included, and it was wonderful! This is the real magic of LBC; it shows the way of living in loving kindness, mutual respect and inclusion. It helps kids to be and love who they are. These are the same values that my parents and grandparents believed in and strived for.

My Dad died in 2001, Mum in 2019. They had always lived simply, so there was money left over even after living to age 97. I chose to honor their lives by making a donation to LBC—a little piece of Love’s kingdom in the beautiful Qu’Appelle Valley.

The Lumsden Beach camp leadership team is incredibly grateful to Bonnie for sharing this story, and also making a legacy gift. Her donation will be used for upcoming improvements to the Kitchen & Dining Hall. We are also so pleased to call Bonnie’s daughter, Dorian, one of our Sustainers. Talk about generosity spanning the generations!

Did you know that legacy gifts and planned giving are deeply meaningful ways to leave a positive impact on Lumsden Beach Camp for generations to come? If you would like to learn more about planned giving, please contact Vicki at [email protected].

6 Built on a Foundation of Generosity All of these people and organizations have donated $60 or more.

During a year where everything feels unknowable, these people shared what they have. Many made do- nations after we cancelled camp, leaving some or all of their camper’s fee with Lumsden Beach Camp. Their generosity will help ensure that camp will be there when we can all gather again.

Bonnie Yake, Westminister United Church, Southey United January Day Camp at SILT Studio in Regina Church, Wesley United Church, Knox-Metropolitan United Church, Melissa Butler, Strasbourg Pastoral Charge, St. James United Church, St. Andrews United Church-Imperial, Sunset United Church Ladies Fellowship, Silton United Church, Robert Capp, United Church, Lumsden UCW, UCW, Hilary & Devin Wallin, Broadway United Church, Misty Wensel, Sarah Lindskog, Tony Gill, Tiffany & Shane Lewis, Kelli Draper Ziglo, Karen Birss & Don Lee, Tanya & Vince Smith, Karen Haggman, Bryan & Marion Tudor, Michelle Dueck, Laureen & Randy Graham, Sharon Wood, Sonia Abrahamson, Shaylene & Julio Salazar, Rod McLeod, Kevin Perrey & Nick Belanger, Nancy McBean, Nancy Koszman, Erin Jones, Gordon Beck, Darwin Roske, Mark & Megan Bunney, Sarah Buhler, Birsay UCW, Pam Bristol, Byran & Erin Rudd, Randall King & Sophie Graham, Breigh & Rob McDavid, Jordana Buchan, Sarah Gatin, Lindsay & Trent Ferguson, Carla Spriggs, Karen & Kurt Kinaschuk, Scottie Frostad, Kim Newsham & David Kyle, Bobbie Hancock, Christine Labatt, Jamie & Nathan Perkins, Leah Switzer, Yan Zhao & Chad Song, Gaylene & Mark Simpson, Rita Baker, Rick Ponto, Bev Ollinger, Shirley Bartz & Andrew Miller, Karen McGregor, Eleanor & Randy Mandziak, Kyla & Dominique Clincke, Jean Cameron, Kim Statler & Ryan Hicks, Herb & Nadine Klassen, Jim & Allison Graham, Glenda Hadwen, George Alexander, Mary Fraser, Darwin Dopson, Jordan & Jesse Courtney, Jody Ramsay, Darla Larson, Travis Roske, Jennifer Lyons-Mouyios & Casey Mouyios, Christine & Ian Kydd, Shannon Forrester, Michelle & Jason Kleemola Things got crafty at Day Camps this summer

7 Grants Lumsden Beach Camp is so grateful for the financial support of these organizations.

Sustainers

The following people having committed to monthly donations which provide consistent funding for Lumsden Beach Camp. This type of generosity allows LBC to plan for the future and weather unexpected reductions in funding. We are incredibly grateful for their support and confidence.

Amanda Benesh, Dan Beveridge, Amy Bewcyk, Stephen Blayone, Graham Bradley, Darcy Cornelisse, Jill Cowen, Elizabeth DeCoste, Barb & Dwaine Dornan, Sheila & Glen Dowling, Nancy Drackett, Carol Draper, Euniece Dueck, Kris Dueck, Barb Flaten Orr, Ben Freitag, Ian Freitag, Jensen Graham, Karen & Mike Hadwen, Cam & Cheryl Hymus- Fraser, Kelsey Koszman, Ross MacNab & Janet McMurtry, Mike Manko-Bauche, Caitlyn Mazden, Darcie McGonigle, Donna McInnes, Joanne Michael, Chris Miller, Kevin Miller, Russell Mitchell-Walker, Doug Moen, Kara Moen, Kent & Lindsay Mohn, Vicki Nelson, Donna Nelson, Delise Pitman, Mark Pitman, Sherrie Pohl, John & Janet Robinson, Reuben Senft, Todd Senft, Barbara Shourounis, Megan Stecyk, Ian Temple, Rick & Irene Temple, Courtney Thomson, Sandra Vargo, Chelsey Vargo Wilson, Steve & Kim Weiss, Marj Weiss, Dorian Yake, Boden Young

*If you are interested in becoming a Sustainer, contact LBC today.