A local bible camp is hoping a fundraiser will help them raise money to provide children with some shade on Dunalter Lake during the hot summers.
The Rough Acres Bible Camp, a nondenominational camp, hopes to build a new sun and rain shelter down by the waterfront with the funds raised at the fundraiser this Saturday.
The roof on the caretakers’ house is also in need of replacement and next year they anticipate the main lodge will also need a new roof.
“It is a great opportunity for kids from all over to spend time outdoors and meet new friends, but above all it is a time where they can learn more about the gospel in an open and relaxed environment,” said Janice Hillaby, executive director of Rough Acres.
“We’ve used temporary structures in the past, but some days we’ll get a sprinkle of rain . . . it’s nice to have somewhere to go when it rains.”
She hopes the new structure will be enough to fit roughly four to six new picnic tables. They have also submitted requests for quotes on the roof, but have not received a final estimate for the project.
The remainder of the funds raised will go towards the general operations of the camp.
This is the not-for-profit organization’s first big fundraiser in several years, but according to Hillaby, the camp needs to replenish its finances after unexpected project costs.
“We had an extra expense with the dam [on Irrigation Lake] that we had to build. That tapped into our funds, not a lot, because we had community support that helped us build it,” she said. “In the previous years, we’ve had a bit of a cushion, but now that cushion is not as fluffy as it used to be.”
The fundraiser will include a buffet-style dinner and performances by camp staff and children.
“Part of the evening will be the kids and a lot of the staff from camp. They really love their camp and love to promote it,” said Hillaby.
There will also be an update on events in the camp and a presentation on ideas for the potential shelter.
Hillaby estimates between 80 to 90 people will attend and hopes to raise between $9,000-10,000.
Rough Acres Bible Camp, originally founded more than 30 years ago and named after its founder, Stanley Rough, provides year-round activities for roughly 250 children from churches between Houston and Kitimat.
Their current facilities include a playing field, two fire pits, an archery range, docks and inflatables on the 80-acre property, 16 kilometres west of Houston.
The fundraiser is on Saturday, April 11 at 6 p.m. at the Bulkley Valley Christian School. Admission is by donation.
For more information, email roughacres@roughacres.org.