Vision 75 Campaign

BRINGING MORE KIDS TO CAMP

Vision 75 Campaign

Over the past two summers SABC has experienced record attendance numbers and has had to turn hundreds of children away because of a lack of room.

The end goal of Vision 75 is to create more spots for campers – up to 448 campers every summer.

– Page Updated Dec 18 2019

Lodge Addition Progress Update

Current Progress

Funding Breakdown

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The Plan


Phase 1 [Completed]

Staff Housing – As SABC grows, so the year round staff housing needs to grow.  We have completed the construction of a 5-6 unit apartment that will be flexible for a variety of housing needs depending on the makeup of our staff team in any given year.  It also includes 2 dorm units in the basement which houses our Leader in Training program participants (Teleois) each summer.  This has freed up cabin space for 64 more campers each summer.  This project was completed February 20, 2017.


Phase 2 [95% Complete]

Cabins – There has been overwhelming support from local area churches to build these cabins.  In 2018, the Vauxhall MB, Vauxhall Bethel EFC, Okotoks EFC, and the Bow Island EFC and Burdett Community churches each completed a cabin.   Then, in the spring of 2019, the Vulcan and Champion area churches completed the last two cabins for a total of 6 cabins.  Each cabin was constructed in the towns where the churches were located.  It created a great deal of excitement for the camp.  So thankful for the many volunteers and supporters who were involved in this.  The cabins initially were used to accommodate summer support staff displaced from the old lodge that was demolished.  After the completion of the new lodge addition, they will be available to welcome another 384 campers each summer. 

Washhouse –  Starting in April 2019, we were able to build a washhouse to service the cabins.  This project was managed by Dennis Plett on a volunteer basis.  Many tradespeople and volunteers came forward to offer their help with this.  This great effort by a massive amount of people helped complete the building to where it could be used for the summer months. The building is close to completion but has been put on hold while we are dealing with COVid 19.

Playing Field/Amphitheatre [CURRENTLY ON HOLD WITH NO FORESEEN START DATE]


Phase 3

Lodge Addition – Capping off the campaign has been the construction of the new lodge addition.  This included the demolition of the original Heritage lodge.  The completion date is projected for June of 2020.  Once completed, the cabins will be able to house new campers – up to 384 every summer (a total of 448 every summer with all 3 phases completed.)

Pictures of Projects

Phase 1 [COMPLETED]

Phase 2

Phase 3

About the Project

Lodge Addition Walkthrough

Check out our facebook page for more updates on progress.  

Partner with us and help us make space for more kids to come to camp!

FAQ

How was the decision made to go ahead with this campaign?
Since the completion of the Lodge at Travers in 2011, there has been a consensus that something needs to be done with the old lodge. There are significant foundation questions.

Our first priority was always to pay off the mortgage from the last campaign. Now it is time to finish what was started. But the real motivating force was the fact that camps are full and we are turning kids away. The process to add space for campers takes time. We needed to start the process now.

How does this project fit into the vision or purpose of Southern Alberta Bible Camp?
Our board and staff are committed to sifting every decision through our vision and purpose. These are both rooted in scripture and a sensitivity to God’s clear leading. We believe this campaign fits well within our vision to see lives transformed by God through the Gospel.

Turning children and teens away from camp is heartbreaking and we believe missed opportunities. This plan has been carefully laid and will allow for significant growth in a sustainable way.

You say, “add spots for 448 campers every summer”. How did you get that number?
Included in the building for phase 1 are apartment units for our Teleois (Leader in Training) Program. Putting these students in this building will free up space for 64 more campers each summer (2 cabins x 8 beds x 4 weeks = 64)

The new cabins (phase 2) will have 5 bunkbeds in each – one is typically used for cabin leaders. 6 cabins x 8 beds x 8 weeks = 384.

64 + 384 = 448 campers

How are you going to pay for this? How are you going to raise the money for this?
This project will be entirely funded by donations. The total cost is estimated between $5 and $6 million. Funds will be raised over a 12 month period starting in November of 2016 by soliciting three year pledges from friends of SABC.

Are you going into debt at all? Will there be a mortgage?
The maximum debt incurred will be $2 million if needed for construction financing. Our goal is that the project will be debt free within 3 years of completion.

What about cost overruns?
We understand this is a concern. There are changes from the last build. Oversight has been given to the camp Director. The camp Properties Manager has been designated the owner representative and will be significantly involved at the construction stage of each phase.

Can I donate my time or services?
Offers to help are both welcomed and will be solicited. The Project Manager will consider any offer to help from prospective supporters and has the sole discretion when making decisions about who will be involved and in what capacity. All volunteers must comply with safety regulations associated with the stage of construction.

Are people behind this?
There seems to be a real excitement for what is going to happen and people are just waiting to hear what the plan is. We have funded and paid for Phase 1 of our project.

What is the estimated total cost of the development?
Between $5 and $6 million. This number is based on an estimation only.

  • PHASE 1 – $750,000
  • PHASE 2 – $30,000 per cabin ($180,000); $300,000 for the washhouse
  • PHASE 3 – $4.1 Million

Is this going to take support away from our operational needs and summer staff support?
This is a concern. As the fundraising process progresses, great effort will be made to encourage supporters to give above their normal annual giving to the camp. Additionally, a good amount of the support that comes in for our staff comes from people who are not associated with SABC. Our staff fund is unique and so crucial. Our prayer is that these staff fund donors will continue to rise up as we proceed with this campaign.

How can I contribute to the development fund?
We will accept cash, cheque, automatic withdrawal, visa or m/c, donation of securities or stocks and bonds, or in kind gifts.

Will I receive a tax receipt for my contribution?
All cash gifts are eligible for a donation receipt for the year in which they were given. Tax receipts are also issued for stock donations, gifts-in-kind (such as building materials), and gifts of land or property. Please note that tax receipts cannot be issued for services rendered to the camp (such as volunteer labour).

Can I make a donation in memory of a loved one?
Legacy gifts are welcomed. To continue with tradition and to not leave anyone out, we will not name buildings or projects after specific individuals.

Will this increase costs for the summer camps and for rental groups?
Fees for summer camps will continue to rise at a rate similar to the provincial inflation rate. Our commitment will remain that every child should be able to come to camp regardless of their financial situation and that we will find the means to make that happen.

Rental fees will remain competitive within the market. The whole purpose for offering the camp facility for rent is so that the summer operation can continue. We will not subsidize rentals like we subsidize summer camps.

If not enough money comes in, what happens to my donation?
The board has strived to be good stewards of SABC since 1943. Every effort will be made to direct these donations towards this campaign. If for any reason this is impossible to do, these funds will be used to further and improve the ministries of SABC. The board is committed to this project. The board may choose to extend the time period of the campaign over one or more years.

Who will be doing the work?

  • PHASE 1 – This project was managed by Marv Warkentin of Tailwind Developments. Marv has extensive experience within the Lethbridge area and was the Site Foreman on the Lodge at Travers build.
  • PHASE 2 Coordinated by Jon Kehler, our Properties Manager.  Washouse project managed by Dennis Plett of Okotoks, AB.
  • PHASE 3 – Silver Ridge Construction is managing the project.

Timeline – When will it begin and end?
The year 2018 is SABC’s 75th birthday — our hope is that we can complete all phases and open the doors within this celebration year. Following are projections of where we see the campaign headed:

  • PHASE 1 – Completion: February 2017
  • PHASE 2 – Start date: Spring 2018; Completion: Winter 2019/20
  • PHASE 3 – Start date: Spring 2019; Completion: Spring 2020

How can I get involved?

  1. Commit to praying for the camp and this project. This is critical!
  2. Commit to giving financially. We ask for people to get behind the campaign who have a heart for children and for the Lord’s work in their lives.
  3. Consider volunteering. SABC has many supporters who are skilled in various trades. As well, help is needed for general construction cleanup and general labour. Contact jon@sabc.ca if you are thinking about volunteering.
  4. Communicate with others. Please be a voice in your community and tell others in your circles about what is happening. It is important that we let others know.