The Bible Fund, Scholarship Fund, and Neil Hart Memorial Fund continue to provide children with the opportunity to hear about God. Please continue to give to these worthwhile efforts. Contributions can be mailed to Elaine Gray at: 163 Wendover Drive, Hamilton, Ontario L9C 5X6
Although it is 5 degrees below zero outside as I write this, the summer activities of Camp Omagh are just around the corner. The Board and the Program Directors, along with their staff, are already planning for a great summer at Omagh. All of the Program Directors from 2003 have returned for this summer to direct their respective weeks/weekends. Omagh has been truly blessed to have such dedicated leaders in this area. Please pray for and plan to be a part of Camp Omagh’s ministry as your time allows.
For the Directors, David Jaggard
The Camp Vision Committee has formed and will be considering what the future of the camp program and facilities will be. We will keep in mind the initial purpose of camp that was set by its founders and consider how we can continue to adhere to that purpose as our physical surrounding and environment changes. Those serving on the committee are excited about this project and will be asking for your input.
This year’s workshop is scheduled for Saturday, May 15th, at the Bramalea Church of Christ. The workshop will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will include such topics as all-camp activities, effective counselling and idea sharing. All weekly summer staff (counsellors, activity directors and teachers) are encouraged to attend. For more information or to register call 905-877-4417 or send an email to personnelandprogram@campomagh.org.
Volunteers working with the camp every spring and summer remain the lifeblood of an organization like Camp Omagh. Without volunteers like you, the camp could not exist. Fortunately we never run out of opportunities. We also have opportunities to work for camp as part of the summer staff.
If you are interested in either volunteering for one of our camp programs or applying for one of our staff positions, please contact:
Patrick Hunter-Buffington
905-507-3877
personnelandprogram@campomagh.org
To facilitate communication about camp news and activities, we are in the process of establishing at least one person in each congregation in Ontario, to be the contact person for camp. By having a contact person at a congregation, we will ensure that camp-related materials are not lost in the shuffle. This person will also be able to ensure that any announcements about camp activities or camp needs are communicated to the congregation. At present, we have seven designated contacts for seven congregations. If this responsibility sounds like something you may be interested in, call Rick Burrows at (905) 455-4907 or send an email to: publicityandmembership@campomagh.org
I am the new kid on the block. I have been a board member for all of five months now, so I am continuing to learn the ropes. The first thing that struck me about the board was the dedication of its members to the camp. Let me take that back. The first thing that struck me about the board was the pies. Did you realize the each board member is responsible for providing two pies at the annual meeting? To those of you that answered “No”, I am with you. To those of you that answered “Yes”, all I have to say is “Why didn’t you warn me?” To some of you, this may seem a trivial thing, but for me it is somewhat daunting. I am currently looking for any volunteers to teach me how to make pastry.
I am quite honoured to be serving on the board with the current group of board members. The commitment required from a board member is not overwhelming, but at the same time, it is not insignificant. Time commitments include 6-8 board meetings a year, involvement in at least one of the three committees, organization of and involvement in The Ontario Christian Camping Conference,
and many trips to camp. The board members have many things in common, but I believe that the most significant ones are their commitment to Jesus and his church, their love of camp, and their willingness to make personal sacrifice to ensure that camp is a positive experience for all campers and staff. ~ Rick Burrows
May 15 - Ontario Christian Camping Workshop
May 16 - Camp Omagh Day 2004
May 22-July 3 - Work days at Camp
July 9 – Sept. 5 - Camp Programs
October 23 - Corporation Meeting & Dinner
We continue to look for new members for the Omagh Bible School Corporation, as well as encourage existing members to renew their membership. The fees for membership are as follows:
| Single | Couple | |
| 1 Year | $10.00 | $15.00 |
| 2 Year | $18.00 | $28.00 |
| 3 Year | $25.00 | $40.00 |
In the near future we will be offering direct deposit as a method of payment for your membership fees. We hope that you will find this option more convenient. (Membership forms are available on camp’s website or by calling (905) 562-8022)
Most of the information found in this newsletter can be found on the official Camp Omagh Website. There is also an abundance of other information found there including a history of the camp, directions to the camp, frequently asked questions, program information and brochures, and many photographs from previous years. The address for the website is: www.campomagh.org
If you visit make sure you sign the guest book. Some of the quotes from the guest book:
“Camp Omagh is an UNBELIEVABLE place and has become what feels like a second home to me. I have many amazing memories of camp from over the years and have met some of my best friends there.”
“Omagh is AMAZING!!! I've met so many great people there. It will always hold a special place in my heart, especially because I was baptized there with two of my best friends! I miss everyone so much and I wish camp could go on forever!”
The Maintenance and Projects Committee is planning some new projects along with several maintenance projects. Installation of new wooden bunk beds for Faith and Knowledge, new windows for the McKerlie house common area and interlocking stone around the new bell tower will keep us busy in addition to the painting and grounds grooming that we do every year. You can help with any of these projects by coming out this spring on any of our Saturday workdays, which start on May 22nd and continue until the beginning of camp.
In the long term, we are beginning to look at some much-needed upgrades to the playground equipment and McKerlie house which will begin as early as this fall. Please continue to support these projects with your prayers.
Did you know that camp has a display board that can be used during special programs at your local congregation? If your congregation is planning an event where you would like to promote Camp Omagh, please contact Howie Taylor at (905) 830-0381 and he will arrange to have the board sent to you. As you know, we have many great summer programs and we appreciate your help in advertising them in your area.
The purpose of these two funds is to provide assistance to individuals who would benefit from a week at camp, but do not necessarily have the financial means to do so. If you would like more information about these funds, or would like to submit an application to receive the benefit of one of these funds, please contact Dave Jaggard at (905) 527-7399 or email scholarships@campomagh.org.
20’s Weekend (July 9-11)
Brad Cook
Speaker: Jamie Azzoparde, Brantford Church of Christ
Prime Timers (July 13-16)
Walter Straker & Mark Heuston
Topic: 1 Peter
Week 1 (ages 7-9) (July 18-24)
Scott Mansfield
Week 2 (ages 8-10) (July 25-31)
George Mansfield
Singspiration (August 1)
Bob Sandiford
Family Week (August 1-7)
Dwayne Williams
Theme: Bible Heroes
Week 3 (ages 11-13) (Aug. 8-14)
Michael Toohey
Week 4 (ages 11-13) (August 15-21)
Jamie Azzoparde
Teen Week (August 22-29)
Don Rose & Brad Cook
Sharpening the Sword (Sept. 3-5)
Max Craddock
Topic: The Gospel of John
www.campomagh.org • info@campomagh.org