As a result of 60 years of involvement in the heart of our community and literally thousands of kids’ lives, Camp Chestermere has had the opportunity to build rich and lifelong relationships with many individuals.
Bob Clary (Dr. Bob) is the newest Executive Director for Camp Chestermere, only recently joining the team in August. For his family, the move to Chestermere was an exciting one.
“Although we have not been here long we have already been made to feel very welcome by both the camp and the community” states Dr. Bob, and he adds “We enjoy the fringe benefits of living in a small town yet still being so close to the city and the lake view is incredible.”
“I am so very excited about so many aspects of Camp Chestermere, as a camp we have just celebrated 60 years and there are not many camps that can boast about that” says the Executive Director.
Although he calls himself the new kid on the block, Dr.Bob is certainly no stranger to the camping experience. Originally from Saskatchewan, he has been involved in camping ministry for decades. He received his PhD in education and completed a dissertation in ‘camp leadership effectiveness’ prior to becoming a bible college professor, teaching outdoor pursuits. Clary jokes that throughout his years of camping experiences he truly has ‘willingly suffered for the good of Jesus’ but admits that he has a heartbeat for camping.
Located in the southeast corner of Chestermere the camp has been a vital part of the community for 60 years, providing a venue for recreational, spiritual and social interaction for kids. As a result of a recent construction of a new multi-purpose lodge, they are now burdened with a debt for the first time since its inception in 1953.
The camp relies on the generous financial and time contributions of people like you and they provide various programs as ways for you to financially assist the camp. If this is something that you have been thinking about, or if you have room to give, there really is no better time than now because Camp Chestermere has been given an incredible offer from a substantial supporter.
The camp has until the end of the year (a total of 40 days) to potentially raise $200,000… but time is running out so this is where they need your help. In an attempt to pay down the debt, a generous couple has offered to match all donations that are made to the camp between now and December.31 2013, to a maximum of $100,000.
Dr. Bob humbly asks “If this is a place that you have heard about, or visited and enjoyed in any capacity, now would be a wonderful time to give back – please consider investing in us.”
In a time when summer camp participation is declining for many camp organizations, Chestmere Camp continues to grow. “Attendance in the summer of 2012 was 1209 kids – in 2013 it was almost 1600!” Dr. Bob beams, “We treasure the opportunity to be is these children’s lives and love the impact that we are able to make for so many families.”
As the rains came down and flooded the earth, Noah sailed for 40 days…It took the spies 40 days to search out the Promised Land…Jesus fasted in the desert for 40 days… Now you can leave your 40 day mark on Camp Chestermere’s history.
For more details or to make a donation, visit www.campchestermere.com
