Camp Kuriakos
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Mission Statement
Camp Kuriakos (managed and owned by Sylvan Lake Lutheran Bible Camp Association) exists to serve its members and the public by providing a recreational space for Christian communities to meet and grow together. This is done by providing a rental facility for groups to use for their own programs, as well as through Camp-run programs. Our campers are all ages, and come from many different backgrounds. Families, children, youth, adults – all are served by Camp Kuriakos. Camp Kuriakos also hosts Kuriakos Outdoor School, which serves area schools (public and christian), providing environmental, leadership, and teambuilding learning opportunities.
About This Cause
OVERVIEW Purpose: Kuriakos exists to proclaim the Gospel of Christ, encourage and disciple. Mission: Kuriakos is a place set apart for all people to grow together in Christ. Brand: Set Apart to be Together Core Values are established to guide behaviour, decisions, and development at Kuriakos. The following three Core Values describe the type of outdoor ministry experience Kuriakos strives to provide and the manner in which it is provided. Value explanations and theme verses are provided to give a more comprehensive understanding of the value. At every decision point, Board members should ask themselves the three questions, to ensure their work is in line with the values of Kuriakos. These questions are used to empower committees and staff and to keep each of us accountable to the community. Belonging • We are created and accepted by God • We create safety5 for all to be in this place Theme Verse: And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:6 Question: Am I being inclusive? Growth • Through challenge and fun, campers grow spiritually, mentally and physically • Through learning the Christian story, we grow in relationship with God, self and creation Theme Verse: Instead, speaking truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16 Questions: Does this encourage growth? Together • We live our best life together in relationship with God • We live our best life together in relationship with each other Theme Verse: For we are God’s fellow workers, you are God’s field. 1 Corinthians 3:9 Question: Does this foster relationship? STRUCTURE The Board of Directors is empowered by the Sylvan Lake Lutheran Bible Camp Association to have full control and management of the affairs of the Association. Throughout this Handbook, Sylvan Lake Lutheran Bible Camp Association will be referred to as the Association or Kuriakos. The purpose of the Board of Directors is to direct the operation of Camp Kuriakos and associated outdoor ministry ventures in accord with the directives set forth by the Association, the mission statement, and the bylaws of the organization. Duties of the Board are grouped into three purposes: Protect the Vision Ensure Sustainability Manage Risk Descriptions of the duties of Directors of the Board as well as Committees are contained in this Handbook. The Board of Kuriakos is a Policy Making Governance Board. Managing operations is the duty of the Executive Director, who is the only employee of Kuriakos hired and managed by the Board. All other employees are managed by the Executive Director. Employees are permitted to establish working groups to assist with operational implementation of strategic priorities, projects or other areas. Working groups are established by staff and report to the staff member. The work of these groups is the responsibility of the staff member to manage and may not exceed the authority of that staff member. Staff are responsible for reporting to the Executive Director regarding the work of these groups. The Executive Director will request written minutes as they deem necessary for the success of the project or as required for future projects of the camp. AFFILIATIONS Kuriakos is a registered charity in Canada, and an incorporated Society in Alberta. Kuriakos is also a member of the Alberta Camping Association, Canadian Camping Association, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Canada, Canadian Council of Christian Charities, the Association of Challenge Course Technologies, and has a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada – Synod of Alberta and the North. HISTORY of KURIAKOS Camp Kuriakos has a rich heritage that clearly shows the Lord’s hand acting through the dedicated efforts of Christian men and women. In July 1930, the first Lutheran Bible Camp was held at Kasota Beach on Sylvan Lake, organized by Dr. Paul Nyholm, the pastor of Bethany Lutheran in Dickson. Dr. Nyholm, Carl Christiansen (and his children, Eva Castella & Gordon Christiansen), Per Lund, and Robert Thompson were a group of individuals who longed for land that could be used as a Lutheran Camp. They spent a Saturday in June of 1931 driving to the homes of local farmers around Sylvan Lake asking if they would be willing to sell some land for the camp. At dusk, Carl Christiansen approached one Nick Isaacson with his proposal, and Mr. Isaacson replied that he had been waiting for many years for Lutherans to come and claim the land on the lakeshore. He sold the land for one dollar, and built an access road to the camp from his own resources. Facilities were built and put into service primarily through the help of volunteers. In 1933, the Sylvan Lake Bible Camp was dedicated for use. The camp grew steadily with new buildings, new programs, and new people. The chapel still being used today was dedicated in 1958. The Dana Lodge was erected in the early sixties by a group of strong camp supporters from Standard. It was completely renovated during winter of 2001 and is an ideal facility for smaller groups. In 1972, although funds were low, more buildings were developed. The old dining hall (called “the miracle 2x4 hall”) was torn down after 40 years and the Kuriakos Centre lodge was built, again almost entirely through donations and volunteer labour. By 1976, the lodge was completed and the attached Kuriakos Centre Dormitory was begun. In the summer of 1979, Pastor David Larsen, serving at Grace Lutheran, Bentley, became part-time, year ‘round director of Camp Kuriakos. In October of 1984, he became the full-time director. The eighties saw a great increase in the number of facilities as well: three cabins (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and a tipi were added in the summers of 1982 and 1983; two covered wagons were added in the summers of 1986 and 1987; and from June 1987 to March 1988, the ARC and lakeside wheelchair path were built through Project 38, a federal government program. The nineties showed a continuation of growth: a tree house (1990) and sauna (1991) were added. In the spring of 1992, a quarter section of land (NE ¼ 20 – 39-02-W5) was purchased and partially developed near the original 17 acres of land- a promise of fulfilled hopes for the future. In May of 2000, an additional 16-acre parcel was purchased just west of the current main site. This acreage has a home, large shop and sauna which are being rented. In December of 2001, a full-sized soccer field was built on this new land. In September of 2001, An Assistant Director position was created which added a second full time, year ‘round employee. This was an important step for the continued success of the camp, in order to manage and continue growth of the camp programs and facilities. In 2000, 2005 and 2010 anniversary celebrations at the camp saw hundreds of people come together to celebrate the past and future of this special place. In 2010, Kuriakos changed its road system to enhance ease of use and safety in the camp. Development of a new RV park and building, called the Summit, began.