The website is up!!!

Hooray! After much anticipation, the new website is here! Check it out for information about summer camps, staff and volunteer opportunities, photos, and more!

www.kawkawa.com

Welcome!

*KAWKAWA IS OPEN! CAMP IS ON FOR SUMMER 2008!* There is lots to be done - repairs, grounds clean-up, and funds raised. Email me, Hillary/Pillsbury (link on the sidebar), if you'd like to help and I'll pass your name on to the organizing committee. Keep leaving your stories! It's great to hear your memories!

Keep your eyes on http://www.kawkawa.com/ for the new website!

This is a blog dedicated to the celebration of Kawkawa Camp and Retreat in Hope, BC. While it was closed for two years, it is OPEN once more! An indepth survey was done by a qualified geotechnical engineer and not only is camp safe to operate, it's even safer than we though it was before it closed!

Look for the new site www.kawkawa.com coming soon, and a news blog that will keep you updated with the most recent news and events, and will be a place to ask questions about what's new at Kawkawa.

For now, I invite you to take a few minutes to tell your story...

Click on any of the photos above to share your memories or comments. What is a favourite memory of Kawkawa? How has your life been impacted by the place and the people there? What lessons did God teach you? How have you seen God at work through Kawkawa? Write anything you'd like, short, long, or in between. I am hoping to collect your thoughts and pictures and somehow get them turned into a book.

To leave your story, click the link at the bottom of any post. Scroll down through the comments and enter your name and your email address* and a web address if you have one. Be sure to let me know, too, if you want me to put a link to your site in the "Friends of Kawkawa" section.

Stories will be collected and posted every few days on this site directly, so they are easier to read.

* Your email will not be published. It will only be seen by the site administrator and will never be given out without your permission.

From Ron/Prem

It was my delight and honour to work with Camp Kawkawa for 16 years and watch it and all the people who attended, grow in Christ. I've been retired since 1999 so many of the names in the various comments I have read are not known to me, but some bring back vivid memories of how great God is. Pillsbury, it is delightful to know you are still an active supporter. To see Mark Roth's name was a particular blessing. God bless each one of you. RAC "Prem"

I think it's great that you have assembled these memories of Kawkawa and its people. Keep it up because these messages can, and will be a great source pf encoagement to many people for countless years ahead.I pray that God's work in each Kawkawa person will not slow down now that CK is gone but will accelerate with the end result that thousands around the globe will come to Jesus. Thank you to all the Kawkawa people from my past. You were all great.

From Roberta/Bertski

How much space do I get???

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

I know for many of you, Kawkawa was not just a camp or a place to go to in the summer, it was home. We grew up as campers, moved onto summer staff and then year round staff. I remember so many of you when you walked into the dinning hall for the first time at the young age of 8. I remember when Kawkawa first opened in 1974 -- my older sister was one of the first campers to attend. I could hardly wait to go. I remember getting off the bus -- knees shaking, wondering if I would be okay and then the week was suddenly over and I could hardly wait to return. No one can erase or remove the many times of joy, laughter, tears, and lessons that we all learnt on that 40 acres of property. It is great to just know that God used Kawakawa greatly for the years that it was open and only He can see fully and know the need for it's time to end. Prem (Ron Carter) had an amazing saying... "teach yourself out of a job." That is what Kawakawa did. God used it to the fullest for the time period that He needed. The question is not why God closed Kawkawa, but what are we going to do with the lessons about Him, the truths about Him that we learnt there? Are we going to sit back and hold it all in? Or are we going to take up our cross and continue to spread God's word?

We each think about the particular summer or summers that we worked or attended Kawkawa, but don't forget the men and women that discovered the camp with God's guiding. How now one else bought the property, how Alliance churchs just had the right amount of money to buy the property. Remember the men and women who dug holes, built cabins, cooked our food, scrubbed those toliets (made some friends), and did the behind scenes work so that we could know Christ. That is what Kawkawa was about -- remember the symbol... a sun, mountains and water all pointing towards heaven. Remember the reason... to bring people to a closer relationship with God.

So to my dear past campers -- and co-workers -- Hold fast to the truth of God and use what He taught you at Kawkawa to help bring others closer to Him.

Love you all -- Bertski

From Dan C, camper '04

My first year at Camp Kawkawa was amazing. I had the best time. All of the leaders were so nice. Monk was my cabin leader. I was lucky I was there - my church had sent me. After my first year, I had gotten closer to God.

Then, the following year, I got a phone call, and I was notified by my church there was one spot for Kawkawa left. I took it, and got to spend another amazing week at Camp Kawkawa, get to get closer to God.

After my second year, I had decided that it was my time to get even closer to God - I was to submit my application to volunteer at Kawkawa for the '06 year. Sadly, they closed. After that, I was quite discouraged.

Now, I'm sure that God will help find Camp Kawkawa a new home.

To the publisher of the website: If there is anything needed to help Kawkawa re-locate, like an extra pair of hands, I beg you to email me and we can figure something out.

From Becky

God brought me back to him through some of the staff at Kawkawa in the summer of 2005, at a family camp. I only worked there for 2 weeks out of that one summer, but I loved it so much and I loved the staff as well.

From Chelsea

I luved camp Kawkawa it was so awesome when I went in 2005!I hope they find another camp because I would be so exided 'Nova' might remember me because she was my leader.I will always remember Kawkawa. :(

From Todd Elliott-Gates

When I heard Kawkawa had closed, my heart broke. I went to camp there for 10 years, and it was the highlight of my year.

I was a, oh how do I word this, "troubled" kid (to say the least!) Camp was really the only place that I felt loved. My parents were always too busy, and my brothers hated me, so going to a place where I felt welcomed and loved (in spite of myself!) was such a blessing for those 10 years.

Bertski, Festus, Crockett, Derby, Lucy, Schroeder, Johann, Blackie, Finesse, were just some of the memorable councillors for me. These people have a special place in my busted, broken, messed up heart, and really are the only reason(s) that I am alive today. The kindness, love, compassion, patience, forgiveness, etc. etc. that they showed me during one simple week at camp kept me alive during the year. I'd occasionally write or call some of them during the year (especially when my best friend Vyanne Neufeld died at Camp Squeah one year, the same week I was at Kawkawa, which screwed me up for years to come!) and simply their kindness alone helped me in more ways that I could ever express.

Of course, being as messed up a kid as I was, I caused some problems at Camp too. But every year, they'd welcome me back with open arms. That was love I had never experienced before.

It saddens me deeply that since Kawkawa's doors closed, there might be some other little boy, scared, frightened, beaten down, broken, lonely, that won't have the opportunity I did. I pray to God that he guides them to some other camp where the same type of amazing people and experiences can befall one who needs it.

Administrator, if anyone contacts you and wants to contact me, please don't hesitate to give them my email address. I would love to reconnect with anyone who might want to reach me.

Kawkawa will always be in my heart...

From Brenda/Popcorn

So many amazing years as a young camper to a Sr. counsellor and beyond. So many years of family camp and work-B's to help make Kawkawa the camp it had become. So very greatful for the friendships and memories shared while canoeing and fire-sides. I was thankful to have shared just a small glimpse of the memories with my 3 little daughters of the wonderful times spent at my home-camp. I know that God has something else more wonderful planned for HIS camp. Keep your prayers for a new location and a new armie to be relvealed!

IN HIS GRIP,
Brenda Peters-POPCORN in Penticton

From Kimberly Hartman

Kawkawa... two amazing months with Outtatown fall 2005. We got to be the last Outtatown site at Kawkawa. It wouldn't have been the same without all of you: Brad + Samantha, Tim + Carrie, Andrew, Dawn + Anthony, Paulette. You made us feel so much at home.

I remember Brad always trying to play some sort of trick on us, especially the time he tried to convince us that we couldn't go to Seattle because the border was closed just to bother Carmyn about seeing her boyfriend, and that we'd have to do crafts with the ladies all weekend because they'd be in all the rooms, so we couldn't have any space.

When Lorissa was baptised in the lake in November and they almost froze. Endless games of Mafia down in the lounge. So many trips into the Blue Moose or the Hope Rec Centre- where we all got discounts because people there were related to Tim (or something like that) A few girls refusing to go in the chapel (our classroom) because someone had seen a mouse in there. All of us being sad that we were travelling on Thankgiving and had to eat at restaurants, but then you made us a whole turkey dinner the next night. Our Christmas party. Our second last night where you all dressed up to serve us and insisted on doing the dishes too. The video that we made of Kawkawa for the Christmas party. Anthony always wanting to hang out with us, instead of eating with his parents, or doing what he was asked to, he just wanted to play with us: even on work day, he was right in there gathering leaves, and running messages around the camp. The very last night when you made us a fancy dinner again, even though it was the day after the party, Paulette was serving: dinner and a hug! When you all came to say goodbye the next morning even though we left at 5 am.

There's so much more that I could say, but I'll just leave it at: Kawkawa was such an important part of the year for so many of us- a bit of stability after moving around so much, somewhere to come home to after we'd been somewhere else. (Even after the first weekend in Vancouver, where we'd only stopped at Kawkawa to drop off the trailer, on the drive back people were excited

Kimberly Hartman/Outtatown 05

From Rouvin/Merc

Wow. I was a GLT for only one week and I must say that that particular week was one of the best weeks of my life. I didn't even want to go to camp that summer, but because of my friendship with Saf and Toby, I was told that another male GLT was needed, so I took a step and decided to serve. I will never regret making that decision, EVER.

Whilst at Camp Kawkawa, I met so many awesome people, people who were on fire for God, people who just wanted to love and people who wanted to serve. The campers were amazing and I'll never forget my cabin crew: Bryn, Stephen, David, Jordan, Scott, and Brian. All the leaders and volunteers of Kawkawa that I met that week also were just amazing (and I know I can't name all of you but I'll try - and in no particular order): Picasso, Shuttle, Bonanza, Rootbeer, Twig, McCrank, Cable, Iceman, Willie (LOSER CLUB!), Dash, Fraggle, Audio, Princess, Jingles, Philly, Nova, Pepsi, Archie (LOSER CLUB!), Camel, Crash, Jughead, Farley, Roads, Tinkerbell, Goldilox, Toby, Saf, Guvna, Kudos, Bishop, Jules, Azar and last but not least...Gandalf.

I'll miss the location of Kawkawa, but the camp itself will never die. God Bless everyone and remember that no matter the circumstance, Praise Be To God. Amen.

From Bethany W

That was my first time at summer kids kamp. I will never forget the best memories I had. I loved fellowship of God and at that time there were tuns of kids who recieved Jesus as their savior. I cant belive that camp is finaly gone i had the best memmories their and a tun of fun in this camp since i was a little girl. my memories i will never forget untill the day finaly comes to be with god.

every day at camp i met a lot of new friends at free time and at different activities. camp Kawkawa ment the world to me and i will never ever forget the friends i made and the fun we had. Thank you tag for being such a good camp leader you are always kind and are are always following god. And the best part of camp kawkawa was to follow god and play down by the beach and swim in that icey cold water.

Camp kawkawa was the best place ever and that made me feel so happy in side. Now it is the time to say good by to camp kawkawa and leave all that happiness and and playing and laughing away and now it is time to shut the door to the lovlyest place and say we hope to see you some time soon. i love you camp kawkawa bye for now

From Jesse/Rook

I can still remember the very first time I ever set foot on Kawkawa ground. I was completely freaked out ("what am I doing here"). I had phoned the week before the first camp in 2001 and was surprised that they accepted my application (had I had any camp experience before this I would have known different, lol). I had no idea what was in store for me that summer, or how much it would change my life after. When I came back for my second summer, a couple of people were surprised to see me (not quite sure why, I never did ask them) but it turned out to be another great time and I was really able to grow with the help of my fellow staff and especially my campers. I can’t say that every moment was enjoyable at the time, but I think that I have learned the lessons I needed to and I would not trade the time I spent there for anything. I don't believe that God is restricted to buildings, but when so much love and worship go on in one place for such a long time, and so many friends and memories are made, it's hard not to be attached to the physical place. Although I moved from BC, I always thought that I'd be able to make it back for another summer or two. But still, I'm so grateful that I was able to be apart of it all.

From Niki/Nova

This is still very hard for me to accept, but I rejoice in knowing that God has done AMAZING things at this camp, working through the lives of staff to reach campers, and even through campers, to reach staff. I started to be involved with Kawkawa in 1997, but it wasn't until 2004 that I was able to finally work on staff. So I came for what I thought would be just the summer, 2 weeks in he changed my heart and my vision and 5 weeks in I was hired to be year round staff. At the end of the summer it was quite a shock to see everyone leave and be left behind with Murfi, Duck, Java (the kids), Link, Guzzle, Mr Potts, Giggles and the unforgettable Rainbow. As many know that year brought MANY changes, and had I known what was going to happen, I doubt I would've followed God's leading to stay. I had to say some hard goodbyes, but I've met some amazing people who have left their mark on my life. I'll never forget the time I was introduced as "No-Fun", doing EVERYONE's laundry, painting in the middle of winter, serving orca soup and those crazy Settler tournaments. Also who can forget moving days? I think I lived in 12 different buildings in 15 months...ah, the joys of camp life! It's been great friends, thank you for all that you have taught me. And praise be to God, who gave us Kawkawa for a time and has allowed countless lives to be changed forever through the obedience of his people. Alleluia!

From Emily

Wow, I don't know where to start.5 awesome summers at Camp Kawkawa.I have to say Kawkawa was the best place on earth. Every summer Kawkawa was the highlight of my summer. All the consellors were AMAZING. All the memories I had will never fade away from sleeping on the dock to shaving Govna's legs on the beach. Kawkawa always brought me closer and closer to God every year. Whenever I was up at camp it always felt like God was really working in my heart. Thanks to everyone who made my summers unbelieveable. Yes It's hard to see this awesome camp go but it will always be one of my favourite memories. Once again I thank you!
May God Bless!

From Derek/Nevada

Camp Kawkawa helped turn my life around, when i was 16 i decided to accept a position as a Maintenance worker. I had never expierienced anything like this camp, I had rededicated my life to Christ, and was so grateful to come back to be part of the HIS Team in the summer of 2003. I was able to be baptized in Kawkawa Lake, and keep tha moment dear to my heart.I can never truly explain how what this camp has done, I still look at my time in maintenance in August of 2002 as the greatest turning point in my life. I had never got the chance to come back to this place as that my family and I had moved to Airdrie, AB after the summer of 03. I will greatly miss this camp now that it will be closing. I am nevertheless reminded of the words of Romans 12 which show that "God causes everything to happen for the good of the glory of God". Kawkawa may be going physically, but what it has done to my heart, and my entirer life, will never fade away.

Derek Craddock
aka NEVADA

From Laura/Shuttle

Camp Kawkawa has been apart of my life, my summers to be exact for the last 11 years. Since i was 6, and since then, I'm now 17, i've been attending camp. It's been the constant thing in my life that i can look forward to in my year.

These last two years I was lucky enough to be a HIS/LIT. I've wanted to be a counsellor at camp since i was little. I had some names picked out too, and finally 2 summers ago, I got to be one of those leaders. I've met some of the greatest people at camp, they may be older counsellors, fellow LIT's/HIS teamers, or campers, but they've impacted me.

God showed himself this last summer more then i thought. The summer before, 2004, i had gone because it sounded like fun. I didn't really pray about it, but after that summer, I knew i had to go back. 2005 summer came, and i sent my application in so early, and i felt that it was right. I still hadn't prayed about it, but it felt right. Well, during my summer with amazing people, i learnt something valuable. God leads my life. Yeah, for some that's obvious, and it was but it wasn't something I was living by. By watching staff, and see how they had trusted in God, it made me commit to something. I gave my life, gave Him control, which was hard for me because I had everything planned for my future. The best part of having God in control of my life, is knowing that he has the very best, the greatest future that i couldn't even think of for myself.

I love Camp Kawkawa with my whole heart, but, I loved it because of the people and the atmosphere, not just the location. Thank-you to any camper who i was in a cabin with or in the same week with, counsellors who taught me or who led me, and to the staff that changed me.

From Cathy/Ozzie

Here is a bit of my story and how I ended up at Kawkawa from Sydney Australia. When I first came in 2001 I really didnt know what I was doing I just knew that I didnt want to go to university and I knew that I had to leave home...so why not go to the other side of the world. My dads cousin recommended Kawkawa as a camp to go to so I sent an email to Ed and in June 2001 I arrived not really knowing what a summer camp was. I have made life long friends from that summer and was really encouraged to get back on track with God. I felt that God had placed me there that particular summer to love and care for other staff as well as the campers. I have now been involved in many camps back home in Australia and have been able to touch many kids lives here. I know it is only because of my experience at Kawkawa that I have been able to do what I have done. I just want to say thanks to those at Kawkawa and remind everyone that it isnt just those campers and staff that come to Kawkawa during the summer who benefit from the camp but my friends, family and the camps that I have been on in Australia have also benefited from the work of Kawkawa.

I so wish that I would have been there on Saturday to see the camp for one last time...and since I couldn't I will remember through my many albums of photos the wonderful Camp Kawkawa.

From Ashley/Gidget

I honestly dont know what to say, or where to begin, but I do know that Kawkawa played a major role in my life. Ever since I was old enough to Go, I went, with such excitement that I can't even describe it. In a way, I grew up with kawkawa, it was always there for me, through my many (and I mean Many) camp crushes, freindships, lessons learned, and much more. God, through Kawkawa, led me to dedicate my life to christ, led me to the waters of baptism, and to a deeper understanding of my faith. I was there when kawkawa critters were for sale, and would always bring one home for my cousins. I was there up until I was too old to be a kid anymore, and so I joined HIS team and scrubbed toilets for the summer. I will always remember the friendships that were made through Kawkawa, the summers I spent writing letters to my counsellors (Notique, Tigger and Piglet, mostly) the time we'd play beach volleyball, and all scramble for tuck to open, the flying fox, which eventually turned into the flier, and just.. everything. There were many times when I can say a campfire at kawkawa changed my outlook, even as a staff member.

I'll always miss the times when we'd have to do stupid stuff to get our mail, when we'd have crazy games at the table to decide who does dishes, and skit night.. i'll never forget skit night.. Just so many memories stem from Kawkawa, from annual pictures with a friend to writing addresses in a notebook to keep in touch, and everything in between.

I am very sad to see kawkawa gone, but I am glad for the time it was there for so many kids and staff alike. Kawkawa will be missed, but the time that God used it will not be forgotten. God Bless all of you, I am thankful to be able to say that Kawkawa was a part of my life, and I hope that you can as well..

Much Love,
Gidget (Ashley Schalin)