Business Plan for Camp Duffield
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Transcript of Business Plan for Camp Duffield
Business Plan for Camp Duffield Camp and Retreat Center
BUSINESS PLAN
FORDUFFIELD CAMP
AND RETREAT CENTER
September 23, 2007
Draft Business Plan for
Duffield Camp
and Retreat CenterIntroduction
This business plan is to provide for a Christian Camp and Retreat Center to be used for Christian Ministry. This business plan is primarily aimed at providing a sound financial underpinning and conceptual approach to running Camp Duffield. The details of the financial plan and approach to camping are based on the best information we have available. We have examined several different approaches to operating a campground and retreat center and we have gleaned many ideas from other Christian Camps across the country. This business plan provides for a financially stable camp for Gods use and for the expansion of this Christ Centered ministry. The camping and business concepts presented here are designed to get the camp off to a good start and are expected to evolve as the camp grows.
Purpose of the Camp and Retreat Center
The three straight-forward purposes of the Camp and Retreat Center are:
1. Introduce children and adults to God and Jesus
2. Use the natural setting and the retreat approach to focus on a decision for Christ
3. Advance Jesus Kingdom
This business plan is focused on developing the operational structure to ensure that these purposes can be fulfilled.
Goals
In order to meet the purposes stated in this Plan, we have established the following tangible and measurable goals for the Camp:
Establish a meaningful Christian ministry to at least 600 children per year at Summer Camp
Establish a meaningful Christian Ministry to at least 600 children/adults in weekend retreats
Provide a location which aids Churches in establishing strong and meaningful youth programs
Be financially stable
Be a long term viable Christian Ministry
Expand the Camping/Retreat Ministry to reach more children for Christ
Legal Structure
The Camp will be operated under the rules and provisions of the not-for-profit corporation (Duffield Camp and Retreat Center). As a not-for-profit corporation gifts and donations to the Camp are tax deductible. There is a board of Directors and Member Churches/Individuals that will be responsible for the safe operation of this Christian Camp. Bylaws as required by regulations have been written and approved for the operation of this Corporation.
Mission Statement
Insert from Corporation Paperwork
Presbyterian Camp or Christian Camp
Since Duffield is a place for kids and kids are inherently non-denominational, we are planning a Christian Camp with Presbyterian roots. We are positive that Jesus is much more concerned with the souls of children and a lot less concerned over the denomination of the people/organization running the camp. At the age most kids go to camp, denominational differences are slight to none, and it is much more important the Camp be Christ centered.
On a historical and personal note, we would love to keep this camp Presbyterian, but the current reality is the number of kids in the local Presbyterian churches are too small to sustain the camp. The Presbytery of Western New York has changed its focus and decided to sell the camp. A new youth and camping ministry is planned by the Presbytery.
We need to move forward with a new Camp Duffield and maintain as much of the special meaning of the camp as possible. The laughter of the kids and the years of commitment of so many Christians is best served in a viable Christian Camp with Presbyterian roots.
What is Camp Duffield?
The way Camp Duffield is laid out, it is designed for kids. From the long dirt road entering the camp to the rustic facilities, it is a place for kids. It is hard to get adults excited about sleeping in bunk beds with 9 other people or in tents at the outpost. Keeler Lodge sleeping arrangements are similar. Therefore, it is a place for kids and those of us who are still kids at heart.
From a kids perspective, Camp Duffield is cool. It is this coolness that makes the place hot! Cool kids stuff are:
The long walks to and from the cabins with friends
The Creek
Clay Slides
The Pond
Campfires
The woods, the swamp and nature trails
The huge fireplace at Keeler Lodge
Hanging out on the cabin porches
Theses are the true assets of the Camp. Therefore, the ministry of Camp Duffield will be to those who love it most KIDS!!
Tangible Assets of Camp Duffield
The actual tangible assets are:
Land
130 acres of land in Delevan New York (See attached maps and aerial photographs)
One small 1-2 acre pond (runoff feed with associated wetland)
Access Road
Usable land (due to slopes and creek is approximately 60 percent of total)
Mostly forested in pine trees and some hardwoods
Future development will have to be carefully planned due to the limits of the access road and slopes and wetlands
The functional portion of the Camp is bounded by a creek on the west and north and power lines on the east. Farmland is the southern boundary. The creeks and the power-lines limit expansions of the Camp in three of the directions.
Buildings
Janeway
Large kitchen fully equipped
Indoor summer eating area
4000 square feet
Two small restrooms
Not suitable for late fall, winter or early spring usage.
Cabins (6)
Newly upgraded and very functional
Full front and back porches
Indoor bathrooms and showers
Sleep 10 children and two counselors
Staff Lodge (Son Shine Shack)
300 square foot concrete block building in poor condition
Craft Hall
800 square foot wood frame building in poor condition.
Overton Lodge
600 square foot concrete block building in poor condition.
Betty Brown
800 square foot concrete block building in very poor condition
Keeler Lodge
Unique and rustic lodge
Upgraded bathrooms
Small kitchen
Loft Sleeping
2,800 square feet
Large fireplace
Nurses Cabin
Small functional cabin for nurse 400 square feet
Playing Field Pavilion
Functional open- sided pavilion
Outpost
Functional open- sided pavilion and restrooms
Equipment Storage Building
The rentable overnight accommodations are limited to the six cabins and Keeler Lodge. The other buildings are usable summer buildings but of limited weekend use.
Therefore, the maximum overnight accommodations are:
Cabins
12 beds each times 6 cabins = 72 people
Winter usable
Keeler Lodge
10 per loft times 2 lofts = 20 people
Winter usable
Outpost
20-30 in tents
From an income standpoint, this defines the potential income from overnight stays.
Camping in the Scriptures
The Israelites camped in the desert for 40 years to learn to follow our God, and Deuteronomy 23: 14 states, the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy. When Jesus was preparing for his ministry, he went out into the wilderness and fasted for forty days. Jesus also retreated to the wilderness during his time with us, for prayer.
Camping in Todays Church
In todays world of distractions and frivolous entertainment, a camping ministry provides for the time and focus needed for meeting the Lord in a real and meaningful way. The statistics on the number of people making real commitments to serve God at Camp are impressive. Thousands have found God at this Camp and as we move forward we pray that thousands more will come to know Christ here at Camp Duffield
Approach to Developing Camping Model
Realizing both the assets and limitations of the Camp, we gathered information on how other Christian Camps are operated and funded. This being the information age, much of the data was gathered from online sources. We endeavored to understand the dynamics of a Camp, the work that needs to go into a camp and the need to maintain the Camp as Christian Camp Facility. The pace of modern life cries out for a place of retreat and searching; this model demands that we operate Camp Duffield in a rational, planned and thought out manner, in order to provide a place for the glory of God.
Current Model for Camp Duffield
The current model for the operation of Duffield is a mixture of several models. Attached is a summary of the data collected on usage by the Presbytery over the last six years. The model consists of:
Rented weekends to Churches and Others
Rented summer week to one large church
Short Summer Camp Season Fully Staffed (5 Weeks in 2007)
Very limited usage by most of the member churches
We examined this model to glean the workable portions of the current operation and to re-examine the portions of the model that have not worked so well. The salient statistics from the 2006 camping year are as follows:
Weekend Rentals - 6 Youth Presbyterian Church Groups for 10 weekends
Alden First
Blasdell Union
Lancaster
Portville First
Tonawanda Faith United
Williamsville North
2 Weekends to Individuals (Youth Groups)
2 Weekends to Individuals (Adults)
2 Weekends to PYC
3 Weekends to Adult Presbyterian Groups
North Park Presbyterian
East Aurora
Springville, First
9 Weekends to Non Presbyterian Youth Groups
4 Weekends to Non Presbyterian Adult Groups
3 Weekends to WNY Presbytery
Total Rented Weekends was 35 in 2006 (37 percent to non-Presbyterian Groups). From the information on weekend rental we concluded the following:
Camp Duffield can be rented effectively all weekends with very little marketing
About 40 percent of the rentals were not to Presbyterian Churches
Both youth and adults rent the camp for weekends
Non-Presbyterian rental is significant
Additional lodging and/or meeting and cooking space could likely be rented as the Camp grows.
Summer Camp- The salient statistics from Summer Camp 2006 are as follows:
5 Weeks
5 Age Groups
First and Second Graders
Experienced First and Second Graders
Third to Fifth Grade
6th to 8th Grade
Senior High School Students
197 Campers
36 Churches sent one or more kids
No single Church sent more than 13 kids
Based on 60 camper beds available the camp was on average 2/3 full.
From this information we have determined that:
Kids will come to the Camp even when they know almost no one
36 Churches have kids to send and a strong need for a Christian Camp
Duffield is a tradition and easy sell
Marketing to the Presbyterian Churches alone will fill two thirds (2/3) the Camp each summer.
The cost of the current model exceeds the income, hence the need for the Presbytery to get out of the camp ownership business. By making the adjustments to the current model to better fit the Christian Camp market, we believe that this extremely important ministry can thrive and be a source of pride to the generations of Christians that have preceded us.
Rules and Regulations
The operation of a Camp is regulated under the provisions of the New York State Department of Health. While as you might imagine, there are many rules. The major rules that impact the operation of this as camp are summarized below:
Camp Director:
25 years old or hold a bachelors degree and be 21
Experienced in camping administration or supervision
Screened by the Office of Children and Family Services
Camp Inspections
Twice a year by the Health Department
Camp Health
Summer Camps must have Health Director
Written medical plan approved by Health Department
Maintain medical reports for all campers
Camp Operator
Written Maintenance Plan
Written Provisions for Training Staff
Written Provisions for Orientation of Campers
Written Provisions for Supervision of Campers
Written Identification of Camp Site Hazards
Written Emergency Procedures and Drills
Written Safety Procedures and Equipment for Program Activities
Background Checks of Personnel
Camp Ministry Models
Summer Camps
Church Run Camp
Connectional Church Camp (Group of approx 6 Churches)
By Location (WNY)
By Outlook (Presbyterian)
Camp Li-Lo-Li in Cattaraugus County
Camp Operated by Duffield Camp and Retreat Center
Para-Church Rentals Young Life (has a strong interest in renting the camp for 3 weeks next summer)
Rented Usage (Girl Scouts, etc)
Weekend
Church Run Weekend Retreats
Retreats with Christ focus
Simple weekend rentals to approved groups and individuals
Events
One day events
Campfire ministry
Nature ministry
Music ministry
Large Church Rental Model
Camp Duffield has been rented to one large Church in the Presbytery every summer for at least 34 years. The Large Church Camping model is a complex model but based on 34 years of success, a very viable model. This Model is a layered and interwoven model and here is how it works. First of all there are two camps run simultaneously; the first being a camp for third, fourth and fifth graders; and the second is a sixth grade camp at the outpost. The camp is run completely by volunteers with almost no involvement from the Pastor. The curriculum is rotated on a three year basis, which provides for continuity and ease of pre-preparation. In order to run a camp like this, the church uses a huge volunteer staff. The staff consists of a Director, Assistant Director, Music Leader, Nurse(s), Kitchen Staff, Craft Staff, Recreation Staff, Cabin Counselors, Cabin CITs, Preschool Staff, Runner. While adults fill the adult appropriate positions, senior high youth fill as many roles as possible. This senior high involvement for the week is around 20 kids and has developed in a special senior high weekend after the campers have all gone. Adult volunteers are turned away each summer as we have more help than is needed.
The Large Church Model offers the following advantages:
Stable and self-sustaining
Low cost to camp
Can absorb 20 to 30 percent more kids from outside Churches and still work effectively. This additional 10 to 20 campers per week for each member church week will minister to those kids not otherwise included in the Presbyterys new camping initiative
Short-term commitment of volunteer staff
Large churches usually have the kids and the energy to run this type of camp
The Large Church Model also has several disadvantages:
Harder to comply with the training and safety rules of State of New York
Camp Director rules
Need six additional large churches to commit to effectively run this type of camp (note there are probably not six large Presbyterian Churches)
Need and cost to train staff in meeting Health Department requirements
Need to have properly qualified and certified lifeguard
Need to hire Overall Camp Director to meet state rules
Need to have on-site medical staff (this has not been a real problem, as God has provided)
The cost to the Camp of this model is the cost of lifeguard, lawn services, possible emergency medical personnel and some repair. The major draw-back of the Large Church Model is that it requires 6 more large viable churches to step up and start a similar program. Based on review of the presbytery documents, there is at most one other church in the presbytery viable enough to start a similar program. Fortunately there are many independent churches and large churches in other Christ Centered Denominations to fill the weeks.
In our research on the internet, we have found that several other successful camps are run this way.
Connectional Church Model
One of the stated goals of the Presbytery of WNY is for churches with similar goals and aspirations to work together in missions and Christian outreach. A week at Camp Duffield would be the perfect amalgamation of this goal. We envision three to five churches working together to bring their combined youth to Duffield. This model allows churches to get to know one another, share their resources and probably most significantly bring their youth together for synergy created by such an endeavor. Imagine the creative efforts of five churches each doing only a portion of the work and yet each bringing down 10 to 15 youth to a camp. The camp would then have 50 to 75 kids; each church would only need about 5 to 8 volunteers and BINGO a new camp week is created. The impetus for this could be directly out of the Presbytery and/or the Directors of the new Duffield. The Water Front Director and Camp Director would be supplied by the new Duffield Corporation to cover the State regulations. The cost to the camper is typically less with this model due to the numerous volunteers.
At the other end of Cattaraugus County, Camp Li-Lo-Li is run as a connectional as modified connectional church model. Basically it is a group of churches that runs a seven week program with 6 different Camp Directors. This camp is larger than Camp Duffield and does summer camping as follows:
1 week of family camp
3 weeks of camp for 3rd to 6th graders (pre-teens)
2 teen weeks
1 Summer roundup week
Concepts we can draw from this successful camp are:
Multiple Camp Directors are possible
Connectional Church Model can work
Summer Camps by Camp Duffield and Retreat Center, Inc.
This model is a controlled cost version of the current model, and it has hired staff for the summer and a paid (full-time summer) Camp Director. College kids and high school kids as counselors are not overly expensive. Water Front Directors and Health Personnel are also not overly expensive. The cost driver for this model is hiring a qualified Summer Camp Director. This person needs to be called by God into this position and most ideally fits supplemental income from a teacher (or others with this type ministry availability in the summer). This model most easily addresses the New York State regulations, however, it is also the model that has the highest inherent cost.
Supplemental Rentals
Weeks and weekends not rented by Churches will be rented to other groups as appropriate. This will fill in any gaps in the usage and supplement the income for the Camp. The Girl Scouts are an example of a group that meets this general supplemental usage.
Christian Churches outside the Presbytery are an important source of supplemental income in all the models examined. An awareness and information campaign to approximately 200 other churches will be conducted to increase weekend rentals to the maximum. The use of Camp Duffield will provide ministry space to them and ongoing rentals into the future to help with the finances of the Camp. We believe that the independent fairly large churches will want to use the ministry space that is Camp Duffield. We have been in preliminary contact with several of the larger independent churches and having them rent the camp for weekend ministry will fill up the weekends year around.
Para-Church organizations (Young Life) have also shown an interest in using Camp Duffield during the summer as part of their ministry.
Staffing Models
The goal of the Camp is from a financial standpoint is to match the expenses and the income. As discussed above the income is tied to the number of beds and the number of rentable nights. However, on the expense side of the ledger is the work that must be done in order to run a safe camp. We have divided the tasks into logical groupings and in the financial section of this business plan we have assigned a cost.
Current Staff Model
The current Presbytery Model has the following as its staffing plan:
Camp Director
$ 59,998
Summer Staff
$ 30,779
Administration
$ 9,754
Building and Grounds
$ 44,040
The available income from current rental of the Camp does not match the expenses of the current model, and therefore, the Camp is currently running a deficit each year. Therefore, we need a staffing model that meets the income and rental level. While we envision that WNY Churches will support this ministry just like other ministry, we are not going to run the Camp with expenses exceeding income. Lets look at the various jobs that need to be done and develop the staffing model to meet the jobs.
New Staffing Model
Work Needs:(not in order of importance)
Open and Close facility on weekends
Plow roads
Cut Grass
Manage wood contract
Cut firewood for camp use
Winterize and de-winterize
Repairs and Maintenance
Manage the Health Department aspects of the Camp
Test Water
Kitchens clean
Food Preparation
Smoke Detectors
Fire Extinguishers
Sewers and septic systems
Life Guard
Seasonal
Nurse/EMT
Promotion and Marketing
Program to churches
Program to youth directors
Web Site (www.campduffield.org)
Management
Book usage
Collect fees
Sources of Income
Presbytery of Western New York
As presently conceived we are not anticipating any funds from the Presbytery of Western New York. However, if it is part of their outreach to youth and evangelism, we would hope that they would provide the Camp with some of their Missions money.
Campers/Groups
The primary source of funds for the operation of the camp will be from the campers and churches/groups that use the ministry space. One key aspect of this part of the Business Plan is that pricing for weeks and weekends will be market driven. We will endeavor to charge what the other Camps providing similar ministry are charging. Part of the problem with the current operation of the camp is that the Presbytery was probably undercharging for the camp. Minimizing the fees is a good thing, however, as an independent organization without an endowment, we will need to charge full market value for the use of the camp ministry space.
The Board of Directors will meet each year to set the fees for the Camp. The Plan will be to evaluate the expenses and income and fees charged by other similar camps and establish a budget that is consistent with good sound business practices and the ministry of the camp.
What Do Other Similar Camps Charge
Based on data found the price for a week at summer camp is:
Camp Duffield (Presbytery)
$ 240
Camp Li-Lo-Li (extra for horses)
$ 200
Gold Coast Christian Camp (Florida)
$ 210
Summer camping fees last year were in line with other Christian Camps but less that sports and hobby driven camps.
Mission Giving by Churches
Many Presbyterian Churches have sent Missions dollars to Camp Duffield each year as part of their local Christian Mission Outreach. These Presbyterian Churches have determined that Camp Duffield is a worthy local mission. These churches as well as the churches that send their kids know that the Christian upbringing is the best way to create true believers. The Churches that have contributed in 2005 and/or 2006 are summarized on Table 1. This summary of giving tells us that:
Missions giving to Camp Duffield has and can continue to be a source of funds for the Camp
That 29 Presbyterian Churches have Camp Duffield as one of their missions priorities
That individual churches have only given modestly in the past and that a revitalized camping ministry should be able to gather increased and on-going support
The giving of $ 20,058 in 2006 played an important part in the finances of the Camp.
Missions Giving by Individuals
As we have embarked on this journey we have become aware of scores of individuals who meet God at Camp Duffield and love the place. There is an internet group not connected with this corporation, whos purpose is to reunite Duffield alumni for the goal of saving Camp Duffield. We pray that as God leads them, money for the purchase, operation and development of the Camp will be raised.
There are also many people looking for a way to ensure the ongoing mission of the Church and may find that the Duffield Ministry is worthy cause.
Outside Use (Daily rental fees)
The rental of the Camp by girls scouts, school groups and others is expected to help in a minor way toward the financial stability of the Camp. These type of groups will be encouraged to use the Camp, as we believe the Camp can have an effective environmental and camping outreach beyond that is overall Christian Mission. These uses will be secondary to Christian uses. It is anticipated on past usage of this type that only 2 to 3 days a year will have outside rentals. These groups will be required to have their own insurance and their use of the Camp will have to be approved by the Board.
Wood Products
A limited wood logging program will be established to harvest trees from the site in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner. Rather than have the trees eventually fall to the ground and rot away, a small percentage of the trees (approximately 2 3 acres) will be harvested each year. Long-term contracts will be set up to ensure proper management. Thinning and clearing parts of the forest are actually important for plant and wildlife management.
Endowment Account
This would be established primarily from wills and large gifts to provide a stable source of funds for the future. We have not yet determined if there are endowment accounts held in trust by the Presbytery for Camp Duffield. We would expect, as we are basically continuing the ministry of Camp Duffield, that these funds (if any), with the proper legal and ethical constraints would be turned over to the Camp.
To help ensure that Camp Duffield is a tool for Christs use into the future, we would endeavor to establish and fund an Endowment Account.
Capital Fund Campaigns
This would be based on the needs of the Camp and be used to further the mission of Jesus Christ.
Discussion of Facilities
Janeway - Janeway is primarily a summer meal area and a place to be on rainy days. To this use, it meets the needs for summer camp. Janeway is not effective for weekend ministry and only moderately good for large group meetings.
Keeler Lodge
Keeler lodge is a special place, its wood, its open design and its fireplace all provide a great place to meet and teach the Gospel. Sleeping in Keeler Lodge is limited to about 24 and is really for kids or those adults who act like kids.
Cabins
The cabins have been transformed into very usable home away from home for summer camp and weekends. The addition of bathrooms and porches make these cabins a real asset.
Outpost - The outpost is a functional tent camping area and has a nice shelter for the rainy days and a usable bathroom.
Other Assets:
Playing field
Craft building
Pond
Camp fire areas
Established trails
Short-Term Improvements
Family Camp Sites
Archery Range
Bird and Bat Houses
Long-Term Improvements
Conference and Meal Building
Adult sleeping building
Information Distribution (www.CampDuffield.org)
This is the information age, and effective distribution of information is key to operating the Camp. Therefore, we have a comprehensive web site for distribution of the information on Camp. Parents will be able to see the Camp before sending their kids. Campers will get a quick taste of Camp life. Leaders will be able to see the cost and the facilities. We will post information as basic as driving directions and operation of the grill in Janeway, etc. Pictures, video, maps, cost, and rules for the Camp can all be presented on the web site. This use of the internet will take much of the basic informational distribution task and centralize it in a spot accessible to all.
Time Frame
We will begin operation of Camp Duffield as soon as the way is cleared to run the Camp and if all parties agree, we will operate the Camp before the transfer as a lessee. If at all possible, we would like to begin the ministry as soon as possible to provide for ministry space.
Business Steps
PrayerOngoing
Identify Parties Interested in the CampOngoing
Form a Corporation for the CampDone
Develop Bylaws for the Camp CorporationDone
Develop a Business Plan for the CampThis Document
Open a Bank AccountDone
Web Site (www.CampDuffield.org)Done
Create a new LogoDone
Develop Prayer PartnersOngoing
Solicit Funds for MinistryBeginning
Identify Churches Interested in this MinistryBeginning
Make an Offer to Presbytery for Lease of PropertyFormulation Stage
Make an Offer to Presbytery for Purchase of PropertyFormulation Stage
Develop a List of Weekend UsersBeginning
Develop a List of Summer UsersBeginning
Environmental Stewardship
Camp Duffield is neither a pristine wilderness area nor a paved parking lot, but it is fairly natural setting (yes, the trees are in rows) which serves to provide the campers with a natural setting. Our commitment in this business plan is to continue to maintain the Camp in its general environmental state and where feasible, enhance the beauty and natural settings.
Trees
Realizing that there is some value to some of the trees on site, a measured and controlled and limited harvesting of the trees will be permitted to provide for a source of funds for the Camp and to allow timber to be used. The cutting will not be allowed where it impacts the high use areas of the camp. The cutting will be limited under a strict contract with a reliable contractor. Firewood for camp fires and the fireplaces will also be harvested in a responsible way from the forest. From an environmental standpoint, all trees eventually fall to the forest floor and rot away. Therefore, with a controlled and sustainable harvest, this wood that would otherwise rot away, can serve the Camp.
Wetlands
The created wetland (caused by the creation of the pond) will be left intact and serve as natural setting for biodiversity and wildlife.
Pond
The pond is a man-made pond and will be left intact. Maintenance as needed will be performed and a fish population and pond balance will be maintained. Long term, the pond will probably be increased in size to make it more swimable and fishable. The beach and the pond bottom in the swimming area will also improved.
Hunting
As a matter of respect for the natural setting and for Camp safety, hunting will not be permitted on Camp grounds. Given the size of the property, it is expected that the property contains effectively all the species native to Western New York. This makes this Camp a special environmental habitat. Preserving this portion of Gods creation adds to the function of the Camp.
Solitude and Prayful Mediation
Duffield is a place to go and pray and talk with God. This will be maintained.
Environmental Stewardship
The Camp will be run in an environmental sound and responsible manner. This includes management of garbage, sewage treatment and present and future buildings. To the extent practicable the camp will be Green.
Safety Assessment
One of the first tasks of the reestablished camp will be to conduct an on-site safety assessment of the entire camp. While the very act of camping and kids have some inherent risk of injury, a detailed assessment of the risks and preventable accidents may reduce the possibility of injury. A good safety assessment will be able to engineer out some of the predictable sources of injury. Examples include, hand rails to prevent slips and falls, use instructions on the stove, and carbon monoxide detectors/smoke alarms. Visibility for cars as well as speed bumps may also be needed.
Planned Camp Improvements
Short-Term Improvements
Short-term improvements fall into four categories which are as follows:
Improvements by Campers
Improvements by Volunteers
Ongoing maintenance
Improvements needed for increased use and income for the Camp
Improvements by Campers
This section seems like an odd idea to include in a Business Plan, but it is part of the overall philosophy of the new Camp Duffield. That is to continue the tradition of the Camp by always having the next generation take ownership of the Camp. These improvements can take many forms and generally be simple but tangible items. This concept is best illustrated with a short story. As a Boy Scout at my first week of camp, we had a small service project to perform as part of some forgotten badge. We planted trees, actually seedlings, on a former farm field adjacent to the camp. It was simply creating a hole in the ground, and inserting a tree. Thirty years later, I dropped my son off at the same camp and his troop was camping under those very trees I had planted. The tradition continued. Each Church using the camp during the summer will be encouraged to include a tangible service project in their program (tree planting, bird houses, trail maintenance, painting, etc.). This will help bond the campers to the Camp.
Improvements by Volunteers
Small groups of volunteers as part of their service to their Church, will be encouraged to help with all those projects that are too small for a capital funds campaign and add to the quality of the Camp. One can only look at the transformation of the cabins at the Camp from 1950s bunk houses to impressive and functional structures today. These volunteers will likely take sweat equity ownership of the camp and help enhance the Camp.
Ongoing Maintenance
The day in and day out maintenance of the Camp will be subcontracted. Proper upkeep and maintenance in accordance with the Building Codes is critical for the safe operation of the Camp.
Improvements Needed for Increased Use and Income for the Camp
Improvements fall into three categories:
1.Increasing the number of beds
2.Increasing the number of nights those beds are used
3.Improving the Camp to make it a better experience for the Campers
Increasing the Number of Beds
There are several possible ways to this, develop another cabin area or construct another Keeler Lodge type building. Both of these are long-term type projects that require a stable and viable camp and substantial financial resources.
Increasing the number of nights the existing beds are used
Based on numerous discussions, it is apparent that the cabins are not effectively used most of the year due to the lack of a large group meeting and eating area. Janeway does not have heat. Two approaches are possible here, heat Janeway and improve the lighting or construct a meeting/dining area by the existing Cabins.
Janeway is a cold structure (concrete floors, block walls and poor lighting) and not at all user friendly in the colder weather. Therefore, it is envisioned that a nominal 50 feet by 120 feet structure, be created near the cabins to substantially increase the cold weather rental capability of the Camp. A well designed building with a kitchen, restrooms and open floor plan is planned. This building while costing between $ 150,000 and $ 250,000, will allow two groups to use the Camp each weekend substantially increasing income. One group in Keeler and one in the Cabin area. The impact of the new meeting hall will be discussed in the Camp economics section.
Improving the Camp to make it a better experience for the Campers
Given the physical constraints of Camp Duffield and the fact that we are planning on a long-term operation of this camp (50 years or more). We will slowly improve the camping experience. These improvements will be planned by the Board of Directors and likely include:
Better Lighting in Janeway
Improved Water Quality
Expanded Ropes Course
Archery Range
Increased Lake Size (Canoeing and Fishing)
Improved Beach
Additional Camp Fire Areas
Long-Term Improvements
The long-term improvements will be determined based on a sound operation of the ministry space. It is likely that an additional cabin grouping and meeting/dinning area will be part of the plans. Other plans include, on-site housing for the Camp Director and or the Camp Ranger (caretaker).
Offer to Presbytery
Our offer for the property to Presbytery is both tangible and spiritual. The spiritual portion of the offer, is probably the more important part. The money aspect will soon be forgotten just like the merit badge received for planting the forest. The spiritual aspect has the capacity to live on for generations, like the generations before us have come to use the Camp in their walk with the Lord. The spiritual aspect of the offer is as follows:
Camp Duffield will provide Retreat space for the Churches of the Presbytery
Camp Duffield will provide a place for every child in the Presbytery to go to Summer Camp (all models considered have room for the children). Camp Scholarships will be available to those in need.
Camp Duffield will honor the sacrifice and giving of the generations of Presbyterians that have gone before us
The operation of Camp Duffield will continue as an effective life changing ministry for the furtherance of His Kingdom
The financial consideration will be worked out between the Presbytery, the Trustees , Board of Directors and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
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