IMMEASURABLY MORE . . .
“Now
to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine,
according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory…”
Ephesians
3:20-21
Through
the 2005 season we were encouraged by the promise contained in these
Bible verses. During the year we have been amazed at what God has been
doing and we are very grateful. Just looking at the physical
things God provided is breathtaking. Things like the wireless
satellite, the climbing tower, the dishwasher and the new refrigeration
unit. But that is only the tangible. We saw other things as well.
We saw God provide the staffing we needed, and first time campers. In
one age bracket we welcomed 180 campers, and of that, 72 were first
timers. Wow! But numbers still do not capture the excitement
like hearing about the campers receiving Jesus and becoming part of
God’s family does. One 9 year old said “It’s like I got my Holy
Spirit today”, after she became a Christian. And guess what, she did!
One day after chapel time an 11 year old came running up and said...
“I’m a Christian now.” Seeing and hearing these and other
campers express their new found faith is thrilling.
Our camper numbers are still lower than we hoped for. We still have
serious financial burdens. But the work God is doing in the hearts and
minds of both staff and campers is evidence, and a promise, that He is
doing way more than we can ask or imagine.
 LOOKING BACK AND AHEAD ...
It
does not seem that long ago that we gathered at the summer camp to
celebrate and give thanks for 50 years of ministry at Dorion Bible
Camp. In 2006 we will celebrate 60 years of faithfully proclaiming
God’s word to the youth of the Thunder Bay area. Many changes have
taken place during the last 10 years including a new administrative
staff, extensive development of the conference centre property and
revamping of summer camp programming.
You are invited to join us at a 60th Anniversary Dinner to be held on Friday evening, April 21, 2006 at Redwood Park Church in Thunder Bay.
We would love to see all current and former volunteers, supporters and
alumni gather to reminisce and celebrate God’s faithfulness to the work
at Dorion.
www.campdorion.com
What
is the fastest way to get Camp Dorion information? Try our website!
We gave it a whole new look this year. First we needed to
upgrade our internet access from the dialup system we had been using.
This happened when technology for high speed satellite internet was
donated. Then we were able to obtain new software which allowed us to
easily put together a website that looks professional and can be
quickly changed to meet changing seasons. The addition of online
registration with secure credit card processing and online staff
applications really helped to streamline the office work. We have
pictures from the summer displayed, so go and have a look!
 Alumni Update . . .
Many
thousand’s of campers and staff have been influenced through the
ministry of Dorion Bible Camp over the 6o years it has been operating.
Many have continued to serve Jesus all over the world. Missionaries,
church leaders, teachers and others look back on time spent at the camp
as a significant part of their spiritual and life journey. If that
describes you, and you would like to be part of the camp’s alumni
network, or if you have been wondering what ever happened to that
counselor you had such fun with or that staff member that had such an
impact on your life; call or email the camp (alumni@campdorion.com). Keep checking our website for updates.
MT. LISTER
May
20, 2005 marked a momentous time here at Dorion Bible Camp. That
was the day that construction on Mt. Lister, our 40 ft high, 4-sided
climbing tower, with zip-line began. By the time camp started the
tower was ready and many came out to celebrate it's completion and
grand opening on July 3. It was named after Dr. George Lister, a
Thunder Bay man who had a passion for climbing and who got the climbing
program started at Dorion over 10 years ago. Since that opening
day, the tower has been one of the biggest attractions to staff and
campers alike. It was the most popular camper
activity of the summer. Over the course of the 5 weeks that it
was offered, plus the LUCF
retreat, we have had over 500 people either climb or zip, or
both! Of the 4 sides, one of the most challenging, we
affectionately call, "Everest" has been attempted by many, but
completed by only 7 people so far. Leila Edmond (a cabin leader)
was the first to make it to the top, and Jade Forsberg was the first
camper. Well done to the two of you!
The potential for use
of the tower is fantastic and we'll be exploring ways that we can use
the tower more as a tool for group building, leadership skills, and
just plain ol' fun!
Please pray for us as
we endeavor to pay off the balance of $9,000 by June of 2006 through
fundraising efforts and donations.
STAFF
A
great big ThankYou to all 70 members of the 2005 staff team who gave of
themselves to "Bring Christ to Canada's Youth" There are only 242
days before camp season, 2006. See you then!
Each week during the summer campers and staff nominate a staff
member who demonstrated a positive influence, availability, leadership
in the camp community, for the Executive Director’s award.
Congratulations to …
Derek Wilson - The Quest
Pam Reid– On the Edge
Leila Edmond - GPS
Josh Pawluk - In The Zone
Carla Gibson - Activate!
A special Thank you to
Steve Zavitz
who once again led our canoe trip on an excursion to White Otter Castle.
SUMMER – Y
It
is hard to believe that Summer has been over and the campers gone for
two months already! It seems like just yesterday we were getting
ready for them all to come! Here are just some of the highlights:
Mt. Lister dedication, 363 campers attending this Summer, The
Tumblers winning the Wilson Cup in street hockey, Thought of the Day
with the drama team, campfires, swimming, chapel, paintball, climbing
and zipping, BBQ lunches, the opening of Jenn’s Den, golden brooms,
silver dustpans, Maija Mania, crafts, variety nights, Ed’s Alley, twins
supper, sling-shots, pellet guns, kub kars, rocketry and children
coming to know Christ personally. We were blessed this year with
a lot more boys coming to camp. One week we packed out all five
boys cabins! Awesome! There were also no
major accidents and everyone went home in one piece. We had so
many staff apply to be here this Summer that we ended up having
to turn some away! Thank you to all the many volunteers who gave
of their time to be here and help on various projects throughout the
year and thank you for praying. Praise God for all He did and is
continuing to do!
We
are in need of 5 sets of free standing bunk beds for use in Eagles
Nest. If you have the tools and access to a shop, are handy with
woodworking and would be interesting in building a set, please contact
Charlie for details.
F.Y.I.
Dorion Camper Chronicles - (kran’.i.kls) n. a newsletter just for campers. Just “To update, to connect, to amuse.”
Dorion Diaries - (di’.a.ris.) n. an irregular email posting of
diary entries by one of Charlie’s Angels. If you would like to receive
these “interesting”, “unorthodox” emails contact info@campdorion.com and we will add your name to the list
Blogsite - n. (www.dorionbiblecamp.mindsay.com) - an internet site for campers to chat with friends, catch up with DBC staff, hear the latest news and make suggestions.
Please continue to pray with us for…
-
the necessary upgrades to the water system in Eagles Nest needing
to be done by December 31, 2006.
- a full time Site Manager
- the financial needs of the ministry
Dorion Dates to Remember:
February 11– “Evening
Under the Stars” Central Evangelical Free Church
March 16 – 18 – March Break Camp!!!
April 21 – “Celebrating 60 Years”
May 13 – Summer Camp Prep Day
July 1 – Summer Camp Starts
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