If the camp is sold to the LCC  will the Presbytery of Chicago lose all control over the camp?  

From the standpoint of ownership, the LCC’s proposal is to purchase the Presbyterian Camps. Thus the camp will be outside of the Presbytery’s control, however the LCC values, and is therefore committed to, an ongoing relationship with the Presbytery of Chicago.  We will be working with the Presbytery to talk about what new ownership means for the Presbytery and the role that the POC will have in the governance of the camp.

The LCC respects the camp’s long standing relationship with the Presbytery of Chicago and is committed to maintaining an ongoing relationship with the POC.  Although ownership of the property will pass to the LCC, a covenant relationship between the LCC and the POC has always been part of the plans. The LCC will work with the POC to structure an agreement that preserves the Christian orientation of the camp and gives members of the POC influence over the ongoing management of the camp.   

How does the LCC intend to keep it Presbyterian Camps?

 The LCC proposes to maintain the name, Presbyterian Camps, and is proposing through legal documents to continue and grow the camping ministry for the Presbytery of Chicago.. While doing this, the LCC would also propose to expand the property’s use for educational and environmental purposes. Currently  less than 50% of the available camper days are being utilized.  The LCC has a vision to expand utilization of the facilities and make the camps more viable as on ongoing entity.  

If the LCC is getting a loan to purchase the camp, how does the LCC intend to pay the loan back?

 LCC proposes to improve the camp to be a 12 month facility with a resulting increase in camp utilization. The incremental revenue would go towards debt reduction. There would also be a capital campaign with friends of the camp and others interested in seeing the environment preserved. The LCC has had preliminary conversations with capital fund raising consultants and has been given assurances that the amount of funds needs is attainable within the necessary time frame.

What has happened since your proposal to the Presbytery?

 As reported in the April floor papers the Presbytery continues to evaluate alternatives.

Are there any other Presbyterian Camps that have transitioned ownership from their Presbytery to a private not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation?

Yes, there are a number of Presbyterian Camps that are members of the Presbyterian Church Conference and Camping Association (PCCCA) that are held by private not-for-profit corporations. Each of these camps continues to be Presbyterian in their ministry and support the youth ministry of the Presbyterian Churches they serve.  Additionally, the separation from the Presbytery and the freedom to pursue additional funding options has increased the long-term viability of each of these camps. Two examples of Presbyterian Camps that are held by separate not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporations are:

Westminster Woods – http://www.westminsterwoods.org/

Calvin Crest – http://www.calvincrest.com/index.php

In your meetings with people what does the LCC hope to accomplish?

The LCC would like to engage as many people as possible in the process of understanding how our proposal would work to save the camping ministry for the Presbytery and for the Presbyterian churches. There are several alternatives the Presbytery is exploring and we think ours gives the best alternative for a long term ministry and for the long term preservation of the environment in that area of western Michigan. The Presbytery announced at its April meeting that a decision will need to be made at the June Assembly meeting with a final decision to be made by December, 2009.

What is the LCC asking of us? What can we do to help?

Our best effort for help is for everyone to cover us in prayer.

·        Prayers for the leaders in the Presbytery

·        Prayers for the LCC to do God’s will to preserve the camping ministry so we never have to go through this again.

·        Prayers that together we can make this camp a vital and ever present camp for our children’s children to attend.

·        Prayers for people to understand the larger picture of what it will take to save the camp. 

We also ask that you become informed about alternatives. It is only through open dialogue and understanding that solutions can be discussed and approved the Assembly level. We encourage you to talk with your pastor and with your commissioners to Assembly and ask them questions and make sure they understand the alternatives.