After reading everything over, including the Presbytery Call Papers, my initial reaction is a mix of feelings. For the most part, however, I’d say that I am excited, relieved and optimistic. I’ve known about the Presbytery of Chicago’s situation for a few months and immediately recognized that the camp, certainly being the Presbytery’s most valuable asset, would strongly considered as a source for securing the necessary funding to pay off the remaining $6.8 million. So, naturally, I was rather worried about the future of Pres Camps, but was hopeful that something new would arise… something to help Presbytery of Chicago’s financial situation while preserving the camp.
Reading over the LCC’s proposal actually got me excited for the future of the camp. My biggest worry was that the camp would be sold into development or to a group that would disconnect from the tradition of Presbyterian Camping and the commitment to environment preservation that we’ve all held so dearly since for so many years. While I don’t know all of the members of the LCC Board, the ones I do know comfort me. I know how much the camp means to you and know the care you will place into preserving what has become a special sanctuary to so many, even while we look towards the future of Pres Camps.
I am particularly excited about the vision LCC has put together. The expansion of our year-round program should help bolster our camp and some retooling in other areas will provide a fresh new start to the LCC’s vision if all goes through. If we are able to accomplish this vision and help relieve the Presbytery of Chicago’s financial situation, while maintaining a focus on nurturing all in a welcoming Christian faith and on preserving the environmental santuary that is our camp, then I believe we will be able to strike the right balance between preservation and renovation.
So, as a whole, I am enthusiastic about the LCC’s proposal. It appears that discussion between the LCC and the PRTF will need to continue to progress in order for the proposal to pass and for it to initiate, but with the proposed covenant relationship between LCC and the Presbytery, I imagine we’ve great reason to be optimistic. It gives me great comfort to be so excited about our camps future again.
…Peace and blessings to all as we continue to prayerfully pursue God’s guidance for the future of our camp.