May 19th

Light the Fire Begins Phase Two Projects

The Camps with Meaning Light the Fire capital campaign, publicly launched two years ago, has begun on-the-ground projects for Phase Two. Coordinating this work is a newly formed building committee headed by David Epp (Charleswood), who has thirty years’ experience as a professional engineer in the construction and consulting industry.

“When I got the call to consider joining the building committee I was excited for a further chance to contribute to the Light the Fire project in a hands-on way,” says David. “The opportunity to work with a team to take the vision of Light the Fire and develop that into a project with the complexities of scheduling, budgets, site challenges, and construction contracts is a challenge that appeals to me and is work that I have experience with.”

Other committee members include Aliyah Baerg (Glenlea), Daly Penner (Sterling), Wilf Sawatzky (Steinbach), Ron Wiebe (Springstein), Dave Wiebe (Springstein), Dave Bergen (Bethel), and Bruce Pauls (Fort Garry MB). Camps with Meaning Director Jody Godwaldt rounds out the team.

“Committee members bring a range of hands-on experience at Camps With Meaning and Camp Assiniboia in particular, ranging from former camp staff to former camp director to maintenance volunteers,” says David. “The professional or career expertise of committee members includes backgrounds in commercial building trades, engineering, and architecture.”

Light the Fire is set out in four phases. Phase One, at a cost of about $1.2 million, is already complete. This phase focused on Camp Assiniboia and included the development of the dike, the creation of the lake, a new maintenance shop, a new ropes course, and more. Phase Two includes projects at both Assiniboia and Koinonia. Upgrades to the coffee station at Assiniboia and to some cabins at Koinonia (see image) are already completed. Further cabin upgrades are envisioned for Koinonia in Phase Two, along with a replacement of Koinonia’s barge and a significant upgrade to the Lodge at Assiniboia. These are being planned for the next 12-18 months.

David describes the planned Lodge work at Assiniboia. “This includes renovations and an addition to expand and upgrade the kitchen,” he says. “This will increase the workspace in the kitchen, replace aging cooking equipment, coolers, and freezer, and incorporate increased storage space.” There will also be new inclusive and accessible washrooms, and dedicated laundry areas for staff and kitchen.

David’s words regarding this Lodge work can apply to all Phase Two projects at both Assiniboia and Koinonia: “I look forward to seeing the joy that will be reflected in a renewed space buzzing with campers and staff!”

Around $700,000 in donations and pledges have been received for Phase Two—praise God, and thank you! In order to complete all Phase Two projects, we need another roughly $400,000. If you’d like to join the Light the Fire movement and see these projects completed, you can donate or pledge at www.lightthefire.ca. All gifts, big or small, are appreciated!