Kenesserie Camp in Ridgetown is in some financial trouble and needs to raise at least $75,000 to continue operating.
The camp had some unexpected news from the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit in mid-June and needs to replace six cabins, the dining hall and kitchen, the staff lounge, Vesper Point, and the campfire area because they're unsafe.
Public health officials informed Kenesserie Camp on June 15, 2023, just two weeks before staff training, that they could not use any of the land or buildings on a sloped area because of shoreline erosion.
The camp faced a costly decision and had to react quickly to allow the 400 registered campers enjoy the 2023 summer camp season.
Camp officials rented a commercial kitchen trailer, bought two wedding style 20’x40’ tents for dining, purchased a 20 foot container and relocated the camp dishwasher into it, turned the Environmental Learning Centre into a double cabin, and reduced the maximum camper capacity from 98 campers per session to 70, resulting in 10 cabins instead of 14.
"We are still working through the process of understanding the final impact that these changes have had on our finances for 2023, but between direct expenses and reduced revenues we need to raise close to $75,000 to finish 2023 with a balanced budget," the camp posted online.
The Board of Directors at Kenesserie Camp is currently assessing options to continue summer camp operations next summer and is "considering all options to move forward."
"The way we operated this year for cooking and eating is not something we are willing to replicate for 2024, and that has opened up new infrastructure opportunities that will greatly enhance the camper experience," said Kenesserie Camp officials.
Their goal is to have a solution for the summer of 2024 finalized at the Board meeting this month and to communicate the plans to all stakeholders in early November.
A fundraising drive will be announced soon to cover this summer's unexpected expenses, but the public can donate now by clicking here.
"Your interest and support of our programs has been an important part of our success and it is very much appreciated," officials said.
Camp leaders said despite the "significant" challenges this summer they still managed to have a "fantastic" camping season.
Kenesserie Camp leaders said the 2023 summer camp season was another "successful one" with 431 campers attending camp.
The camp also employed 32 local youth and young adults and three adults to run the programs.
"We ran our traditional camp programs while introducing new activities, including slingshots at our target range," the leaders said.
One camper wrote a note to the camp that said “This was my first year at Kenesserie Camp. I LOVED IT! My favourite part was everything, especially meeting new friends. I can’t wait to go back."
Camp leaders said it's feedback like this that motivates them to do whatever is necessary to get kids to camp.