A Camp Douglas Update!

Hello Camp Douglas staff, friends, families, supporters, volunteers and fans!

We’ve been on a blogging-lull over the past few months, but we’re back! The Camp Douglas staff have been hard at work preparing for an amazing summer that is quickly approaching. Throughout the fall, there were some joyous events that happened for members of our present and past staff.

In September, both Rebecca “Bert” Simpson (our current director) and Curtis “Jones” Bablitz (past camp staff, director and committee member) were ordained by the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Rebecca has taken a call to be the minister at St. Pauls Presbyterian in Mission, BC while still directing Camp Douglas. Curtis and his wife Johanna (“Skittles”) have taken a call in Burlington, Ontario at Brant Hills Presbyterian. We praise God for the work that He has done in Rebecca, Curtis and Johanna’s lives.

In the fall, the Camp Douglas staff took part in a contest at Metrotown. The contest involved 3 teams stuffing themselves into a VW Beetle. The team that was able to fill their car the fastest, and with the most amount of people, won $10,000 for their charity. Camp Douglas placed second with 13 people in 58 seconds. Good job Camp Douglas!

In October, we had our third anual costume dance party at Haney Presbyterian. Many staff, volunteers and committee members came out to have a fun evening–in costume!

As well, November brought to us our first fall fundraiser dinner! Just over 100 supporters came out for an evening of Italian celebration–spaghetti and opera. Thank-you to everyone who helped us reach our goal of raising funds for camperships and bibles.

Thank-you for your continued support–Camp Douglas would not be the same without you!

Camp Douglas Beacon – September 2011

The fall 2011 edition of the beacon is here.  Download it now!

Introducing: the 2011 Cabin Leaders & Program Assistants!

With our first camp arriving in mere hours, it’s time to introduce you to the 2011 Cabin Leaders as well as the Program Assistants that will be helping us out this summer. We asked them the following four questions so that you are able to know them a little better:

1) What is your camp name and why?
2) What do you do outside of camp?
3) Favourite Camp Douglas moment?
4) What is your tip for any future Camp Douglas leader?

Read further to find out their answers and see what Camp Douglas has in store for your children this summer!

1.) My camp name is Rosie because of my middle name– Rosemary.

2.)  Outside of camp I am a student at UFV, working toward my Bachelor of Arts in English. I’m currently heading into my second year. Other than school, I play softball, read and craft!

3.) I have too many favourite Camp D moments, but one that stands out from last summer is playing WALO with the youth campers in the evening (which included soaking oneself in the dunking pond) then getting into warm clothes for a fun and loud campfire to end the night.

4.) If I could give some advice for future cabin leaders at Camp Douglas it would be this: come prepared for any theme or weather, a clean cabin is a happy cabin, have extra games in mind that don’t require any equipment, and it’s never too much trouble to make sure your campers have the best week of their year.

1) What is your camp name and why? Trogdor.

2) What do you do outside of camp? Go to school and play hockey.

3) Favourite Camp Douglas moment? “The public execution of Fire-Man” circa 2002

4) What is your tip for any future Camp Douglas leader? Sleep lots.

2) I’m an art student by day and a truffle hunter by night. I mean… uhhhhh…

3) One of my most cherished memories was when I got to dress up as a unicorn for a game of “Hollywood Squares”. The next day I had a passionate following of campers convinced they could make me admit my transformation. To any campers that attended junior in 2008 who may be reading this, I have no idea what you are talking about. I can’t magically sprout a blue and red horn from my forehead whenever I want-that’s just silly!

1)  My camp name is Rafiki.  One of my LIT leaders used to call me Monkey so when it came time to pick a camp name I decided to name myself after a Disney monkey.  In the end though I went with the baboon from The Lion King.

2)  Outside of camp I go to school, volunteer as a First Responder and sing as much as I can.

3)  One of my favourite Camp Douglas memories is dressing up as Archie at senior co-ed when everybody dressed up as a character from all the weekly themes from the summer.

4)  I would say have fun with it!  Time at Camp Douglas is super valuable!

1) Puka. I choose the name Puka (as in a puka shell) because I like the beach and shells.

2) Outside of camp I go to school at UFV studying Biology and Geography as well as attending the Haney Presbyterian Church and leading a girls youth group.

3) My favourite Camp Douglas moment would be all the times that we would sit out on the beach at night just star-gazing and listening to the ocean waves.

4) God has given us this beautiful creation to share with one another and to share with all of the campers. Take time to enjoy it and appreciate it.

1) My camp name is Glucose. I’m diabetic, so it fits.

2) Outside of camp I’m involved in youth ministry @ Christian Life Assembly. For the last 2 years I have been doing an internship program through CLA, taking Bible courses, growing in character, and serving at weekly youth and young adult services. I also coach lacrosse and love playing guitar.

3) There are so many, but one that sticks out was attempting to run around the forest, dressed as Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, in a 2 person onesie with Tumbles.

4) Serving at camp is exactly that, serving. Come to camp prepared to serve the campers 100%, it’s all about them. You’ll have tons of fun along the way.

This Person at Camp Douglas is a Recent Graduate!

Camp awards are one of the ways of celebrating a fun week at Camp Douglas. Today Camp Douglas would like to celebrate some of our 2011 staff and alumni as they have recently completed many hard years of work and have Graduated!!

James “Rafiki” Eastwood is a recent graduate from Hugh Boyd Secondary.

Johnathan “Capo” Booy is a recent graduate from Garibaldi Secondary School.

Alex “Nitro” Scott is a recent graduate from Chilliwack Senior Secondary.

Edward “Garfield” Davies is a recent graduate from the Chef Training Program from University of the Fraser Valley.

Lisa “Weezie” Hutchcroft is a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Vancouver Island University.

Curtis “Jones” Bablitz is a recent graduate with a Masters of Divinity from Vancouver School of Theology.

We at at Camp Douglas are very proud of you and are very excited to see what God’s plans are for you in your future.

Introducing Bert!

Bert is back for another summer of Camp Douglas excitement. With her witty jokes and infinite wisdom, Bert will be a supreme director. With three small children and a husband of her own, God has graced us with Bert and everything that she offers the Camp Douglas community. Read further to get to know Bert a little better!

Q: What is your camp name and why?
A: My camp name is Bert because I grew up watching sesame street and I am a geek at heart.

Q: What do you do outside of Camp?
A: Outside of camp I am a wife and a mother of three.

Q: How did you get involved with Camp Douglas? How long have you been associated with the camp?
A: I first got involved through Curtis “Jones” Bablitz when we were in Theological school together and the camp was looking for a new director. I have been involved for the past 2 summers.

Q: Favourite Camp Douglas moment?
A: Jesus At Midnight (JAM) — Youth Camp 2010

Q: Favourite activity at camp?
A: Dressing up for themed meals

Q: Little-known fact about yourself?
A: I used to be a Biology teacher

Q: What was the last book that you read?
A: Parachute Games for Summer Camps by Todd Strong and I And Thou by Martin Buber

Introducing Tumbles!

Tumbles is returning this year as our stellar First Aid Attendant. With her horse-like laugh and constant smile, Tumbles adds a fun & exciting personality to our staff! Read further to learn more about this wonderful young woman.

Q: What is your camp name and why?
A: Tumbles. I took a really long time to decide on my name. Finally decided decided on Tumbles because it has to do with gymnastics and I trip a lot.

Q: How did you get involved with Camp Douglas? How long have you been associated with the camp?
A: Outside of camp I go to Langara College and coach gymnastics throughout the week. Also I enjoy camping and ATVing on weekends.

Q: Favourite Camp Douglas moment?
A: There are way too many to choose from BUT singing “Sing to the King” with Pinky and building the bridge to campfire are among my favourites.

Q: Favourite activity at camp?
A: Knuckleball!

Q: Little-known fact about yourself?
A: I love physical activities–especially P90X & running!

Q: What was the last book that you read?
A: Little Girls in Pretty Boxes.

Cheerio Heads to Malawi!

Read further to hear a little more about Cheerio’s trip to Malawi, Africa in June 2010. Although this trip was a year ago, the lessons that Cheerio learned and the experiences that she had will live with her forever. This article is from the Presbyterian Record.

I spent days researching and learning as much as I could about Malawi and mission trips. I read countless articles about the dangers that mission trips pose to developing nations — about how North Americans run amuck preaching, offending, and taking away jobs with construction projects that could have employed several local workers. Even with this information, I felt called to go to Malawi on a Youth in Mission trip.
Reflecting now, I see how much more “mission” is. A mission trip today is a partnership. This was never as evident as when five Malawian youth joined us for the first 10 days of our trip. I learned songs and games and shared laughter with them, but was changed when they demonstrated their faith.
During Bible study one night, Madalitso Pangani sang us a song that he sings to himself when he needs comfort. It consisted of three simple phrases: Alleluia, You are Holy, and You are Worthy, yet they silenced our entire group and reminded us of God and all that God is.
While helping with some physiotherapy at Tidzalerana Club, which supports people with disabilities, one young girl, Maria, became attached to me and another of the YIM participants, Natalie Brown. After spending our afternoon with her, I overheard her mother say to Natalie, “You have made Maria so happy.” I spent that evening wondering if the happiness Maria experienced even came close to matching the happiness she gave to me.
I am not sure if our Malawian counterparts learned and grew as much as I did, but I am certain that in every situation I learned something from them. Micah 6:8 says, “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Although I do not have a definite conclusion about my experience, what I do know is this: We are all God’s children, and the act of being there, learning from, and partnering with is what mission means to me. I will never cure HIV/AIDS, or provide a home to every orphan or vulnerable child living in Malawi. I cannot end gender discrimination or stop crop failure. What I can do is this: I can act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with the Lord. I can pray ardently for the people of Malawi. I can take the stories I have heard and the experiences I have been a part of back to my home congregation and the people around me and together work for change.

Introducing Thistle!

Q: What is your camp name and why?
A: My camp name is Thistle.

Q: What do you do outside of Camp?
A: University. Reading, researching, and essay-writing occupy me throughout the school year. I also sing and sword-fight. And read.

Q: How did you get involved with Camp Douglas? How long have you been associated with the camp?
A: I have been coming to camp on church retreats and for family camp since I was 3 years old. I don’t remember when my family started coming for work parties, but camp has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Q: Favourite Camp Douglas moment?
A: How on earth am I supposed to choose ONE moment? Impossible! But I have to say, being serenaded last summer at youth camp during the talent show with “Prima Donna” from The Phantom of the Opera was amazing.

Q: Favourite activity at camp?
A: Knuckleball. Or was that archery? Or do I mean WALO? How about singing? Wait, was I supposed to choose just ONE again….?

Q: Little-known fact about yourself?
A: I love dressing up in outrageous costumes, so I have to confess that I secretly love “dress up your cabin leader” meal.

Q: What was the last book that you read?
A: I just finished “The Clerk’s Tale,” a medieval murder mystery.

Introducing Chuck!

Hailing all the way from Prince George, Chuck will be joining Camp Douglas as our 2011 Head Cabin Leader. Read on to learn more on this very vivacious verb.

1.       Whatis your camp name and why?

My camp name is Chuck. Most peoplethink I am named after Chuck Norris but my camp name is actually short forCharlie Brown. At one time, it was a tradition for all Camp Douglas staff to benamed after Charlie Brown characters. I, and the people who named me, brieflyand unknowingly revived that tradition. Chuck was also the only cut of groundbeef we used when I was Kitchen Assistant but that was after I was alreadynamed.

2.       Whatdo you do outside of camp?

I live in the frozen northerncapitol of BC, Prince George and am the only current staff member from thenorthern interior. I am a Psychology major in university and I currently workin a number of group homes for high risk youth. I have a background in theatre,especially musical theatre, and I am a member St Giles Presbyterian in PrinceGeorge. I am used to about 6 to 8 months of winter with temperatures thatsometimes drop below -40 so the beautiful and sunny weather of Camp Douglas isalways a welcome treat.

3.       Howlong have you been coming to camp? How did you get involved?

I have never been a camper or LIT atCamp Douglas. I started out as a cabin leader in Summer 2008 after beingbrought to Camp by my friend Jane. I don’t think I have missed a week of Campsince the beginning of that first year. Throughout my six months of being aCamp Douglas staff member, I have been a Cabin Leader, Kitchen Assistant, andLIT Leader. I look forward to my next two months as Head Cabin Leader.

4.       Whatis your most memorable ‘Camp Douglas moment’?

That’s a tossup between the JonasBrothers performances and the introduction of Cima. Nitro, Pivot, and I dressedup as the Jonas Brothers for talent shows a few times. I don’t know how I let themtalk me into it but it ended up being a lot of fun to do. Cima is a stuffedanimal goat’s head mounted on a wooden plaque. I found Cima in a thift store onthe coast and promptly made him a Camp Douglas mascot. Hijinks ensued. Ofcourse there are many other great ‘Camp Douglas moments’ but those are the twothat come to mind.

5.       Whatis your favourite activity at camp?

That is a tough question. I likepretty much all of the activities at Camp but if I had to choose favourites Iguess I would choose Capture the Flag and Archery. I like any game in which Ican run around in the forest and I like Archery because I like the personalchallenge.

6.       Whatis a little known fact about yourself?

I once took classes in Kung Fu.

7.   What is the last book that you read?

Harry Potter and the Order of thePhoenix. I recently re-read the first four books in the series but I am nowreading the last three for the first time.

Introducing Cheerio!!

Camp Douglas welcomes back Cheerio as part of the 2011 LIT Leadership team. Read on to learn more about this cheery personality!!!

 1.     What is your camp name and why? Cheerio- because I really love Frosted Flakes. Jokes! I love all things bright, bubbly and cheery… especially in the morning!

2.       What do you do outside of camp? I am finishing my third year of university and I hope to become a teacher when I am done. I am a history major and my favourite class this term a Kinesiology class about leading physical education for kids! Outside of school I am the youth leader at Calvin Presbyterian Church. My favourite thing to do on a sunny afternoon is go for a hike or go to the beach.

3.       How long have you been coming to camp? How did you get involved? I have been attending Camp Douglas since I was a small fry camper! I got involved because my mom and her brothers and sisters all attended Camp Douglas as children!

4.       What is your most memorable ‘Camp Douglas moment’? My most memorable Camp Douglas moment was winning Mission Impossible with my campers against head sniper Rugby! Whoo hoo!

5.       What is your favourite activity at camp? My absolute favourite activity at Camp Douglas is a tie between kayaking and Chapel in the morning!

6.       What is a little known fact about yourself?  Last year I traveled to Malawi for one month. I learned all about the partnership between the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Central Church of Africa Presbyterian. I can’t wait to go back!
7.    What is the last book that you read? The last book I read was Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen… for the 9th time!