Camp Grafton is delighted to report that the summer of 2016 is a tremendous success…in so many ways.

The first camp was the multi-generational mini-camp, and it was enjoyed by a wonderfully diverse group, of families and solo fliers aged 8 months to …well, let’s just say post-retirement age !  Campers participated in canoeing, campfires, crafting, camp food, chapel…all the Grafton classics !

The first four kid’s camps were full, with waiting lists; it’s pretty gratifying to know that Camp Grafton can fill camps without much advertising. While the 2016 weather wasn’t always Shuswap sunshine, this year we had the outdoor covered program space. This spring a Big Top tent was purchased, and a level site constructed. What a wonderful enhancement this has been to camp programming, and the opportunities to continue activities outdoors.

During the second week of camp, we were visited by two accreditation teams. The first was from the BC Camping Association, followed two days later by the national United Church of Canada camping accreditor. Both accrediting bodies gave Camp Grafton high praise. Each accreditation process involves much paperwork submitted in advance, and then a site visit and tour followed by long interviews to go through many pages of questions about policy, practice, program and facility.                                  The CGS (Camp Grafton Society) board and volunteers devoted many hours to preparing policy manuals, program and the facility so that we can maintain our excellent rating.

Part of our mission at Camp Grafton is to enable as many campers as possible to experience camp community. In 2016, so far, we have assisted 25 of our campers with financial need with a total of $5,550 worth of camperships. Thanks to the generosity of some KUC friends, the CGS has received donations for camperships in the amount of $2300.

Camp Grafton 2016 has been a huge success and blessing to us all !!

There are still several spaces available for the senior (teen) camp that starts July 31. See the Camp Grafton website for info and to register.   http://www.campgrafton.ca/

Join the CGS on Friday August 12, for the second annual Grafton fundraiser dinner, at KUC. Proceeds of the 2015 dinner made it possible to begin to develop our covered outdoor program space. Ultimately, we plan to create a more permanent multi-use structure.

Thanks everyone for supporting camping, and Camp Grafton!