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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