Agur Lake holds 2012 Camp Day

Agur Lake Camp Day 2012. (Photo contributed)

Contributed

People from all over the Okanagan were awed when on September 23, 2012 they toured Agur Lake Camp as it celebrated Camp Day.

They visited the two barrier-free, two-bedroom cabins which will be open for campers coming to enjoy time at Agur Lake. They explored the trails around the lake that will be accessible to campers who are walking or in wheel chairs. They saw the portable dock where campers young and old can fish or board a boat to get out on the water. And they noted the spot where there will eventually be unserviced parking areas for families with RV’s who want to come and enjoy the camp.

Until recently Agur Lake Camp was only a dream in the minds of a few – a vision of a wilderness camp in the Okanagan that would be a safe and welcoming place for people with special needs and their families to enjoy the out of doors. Next summer that dream becomes a reality. In addition to offering its facilities to campers, the camp will be open to organizations who wish to hold special day events. Two local organizations have already taken advantage of that possibility this summer.

How did this dream to reality success story come about? It happened through the dedication of volunteers providing thousands of hours of help as board and committee members, camp development/clean-up working groups, donors of funds and in-kind services and a variety of partnerships.

One partnership involved Agur Lake Camp Society signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Okanagan College, School District 67 and CM Edwards Construction to build the modular style cabins. ALCS also formed partnerships with business organizations like the Summerland & District Credit Union which has supported the camp since its beginning in 2004.

Many Organizations have contributed funds such as the Summerland Rotary who hosted the Swing for Kids Golf Tournament and presented a cheque to ALCS for $14,000 on Camp Day as well as the Peachland Lions Club who for four years have provided the camp day lunch with the proceeds going to the camp. Local and provincial governments have facilitated camp development. Numerous individuals and organizations have contributed their time and money to make the camp what it is today.

The camp, located in the mountains 20 kilometres west of Summerland, overlooks lovely Agur Lake, and is surrounded by forested land. Though located close to Summerland, it will be open to all special needs applicants and their families from anywhere in BC.

There are still the finishing touches needed for the cabins to make them user-friendly and fully equipped. The grounds are close to being fully operational. Safety equipment needs to be in place. The Board of ALCS is hoping for still more volunteer help to complete these final details.

Anyone interested in helping finish this dream, as a donor, as a volunteer or as a camper-in-waiting will be welcomed. Visitors who want to see the camp first hand can call to arrange a tour.

Groups who want to use the camp site for events, can contact, Agur Lake Camp at 250-809-7130 or by email to info@agurlakecamp.ca. Information is also available on the ALCS Facebook page and our website at www.agurlakecamp.ca