I am so excited for our first Camp Encounter member feature. Is there any better way to start it off, than by someone who was there at the beginning? So let me introduce someone to you. Someone who saw Camp as a dream before a physical place. One of many behind our mission and values. And the one responsible for the notorious "Survival Game" we still play today. Meet Owl:
When we think of Camp Encounter, we often think of present day. Whether it be the physical elements like our beautiful large mess hall or the present day community and the love that is felt there. I am fortunate enough to have experienced 20 years of Camp. While the physical elements may have changed some; the love, community, and appreciation for God and nature hasn't. We need to step back sometimes and give a nod to the ones who started it all. The ones who believed in a place and made it happen. And the ones who stuck to the dream for all the years following. Camp exists and will continue to exist because of our past, because of our present, and because of our dreams for the future.
"Walking. I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands."
-Linda Hogan
I asked Wilf a few simple questions, and got some pretty powerful answers. So without any further ado, here we go.
How did You become involved in Camp Encounter?
Growing up in rural Alberta during simpler yet challenging times, connected me to the outdoors in a meaningful way. My understanding of how I should navigate life’s journey is rooted in many of the outdoor experiences, which I have been privileged and continue to enjoy. Many of these experiences have given me an unadulterated sense of joy and continue to be a source of peace and happiness in which I continue to seek out meaning and goodness. I find God in this awesome place called the outdoors, a place of uncluttered, profound complexity, while still embracing an authentic, nurturing and refreshing simplicity.
As a husband, father, grandfather, and science teacher, I believe that the outdoors is the natural classroom for learning. Lessons are learned through meaningful hands on experiences. Imagination is allowed to inspire. Freedom is nurtured by nature’s boundaries rather than the concrete walls of institutional buildings and virtual fantasies of the latest technology.
During the early seventies, outdoor and environmental education was receiving some emphasis in the educational systems across Alberta. Outdoor experiences and camps were popular and some resources were being provided to support this type of experiential learning.
The Edmonton Catholic School System created a position for an Outdoor and Environmental Education Consultant. I applied for the position and was appointed in 1975, a position I held until 1978. Like so many things within formal institutional structures of learning, fads come and go and unfortunately the position I occupied was one of the cosmetic items wiped from the agenda of educational priorities.
During this time, however, a few other colleagues in the school system shared a common vision of providing a permanent facility and place where kids could come and experience the outdoors. It was my dream that Outdoor Education would become integrated within the formal educational system, where Alberta Education and school boards would create and support this type of programming for all students during their formative grade school years. This was obviously a momentary illusion, not grounded in the reality of conventional educational economics and technological priority.
During my time as Outdoor Consultant, however, good committed people saw merit in the cause for a permanent facility, formed a hard working board of directors and continued to pursue the dream outside the formal educational system. Because of this committed voluntary board and dedication of the wonderful, capable and caring staff that the Good Lord has provided over the years and the support by thousands of volunteer donors and helpers, camp has been sustained and will, hopefully continue to grow and flourish.
My story with Camp Edmonton Encounter started during my time as an Outdoor Education and Environmental Consultant with the Edmonton Catholic School System and lasted until 2006, when I left the Camp Encounter Board.
First Memory of Camp:
An assortment of dilapidated old buildings and piles of accumulated junk collected over years of neglect.
Also, working with a sense of purpose and in solidarity with others who shared hope and a common vision of building something worthwhile and good for our young people.
Favourite Camp Activity:
Any activity that had a certain sense of adventure, was physically active and encouraged happy, meaningful participation and relevant learning experiences. An activity that was empowering for the participant and the teacher.
Also, singing the “Jay Bird” song at campfire with camp’s first director, Brent Keiser in lead and in fine voice. “Well a way down the road……..”
Favorite Camp Food:
Camp’s first cook, John Pearson’s chocolate chip cookies, which were always available in cookie jars anytime of the day for everyone.
What tools has camp given you?
A sense of appreciation, gratefulness and an attitude of abundance. I still reflect on the mission statement, name and logo that we created during the early years of camp. It has become my own personal mission statement.
“Encourage Christian Community, deepen Christian Commitment and sensitize through the natural environment, an understanding attitude of respect, reverence and celebration of all life."
Advise to First Time Campers:
Be open and welcoming. Enjoy one another, the camp surroundings, the activities and the opportunity to learn. Welcome the challenges without fear, knowing there are those around you who love you and are there to help you.
Advise to Parents:
The same advise given to campers, within the same spirit of camp but in the context of being a parent.
Advise to Staff:
Your role within the camp community is one of leadership. Wear and live the Camp Encounter spirit, mission and brand with respect and honor. Remember you are part of a loving supportive community. Gain strength and empowerment from the practise, witness and presence of this reality.
If you could buy one thing for camp, no matter the cost, no limits to imagination (or plausibility) what would you buy?
I would provide the necessary resources for staff development of leadership skills in all camp related areas of operation and programming. This would be an ongoing process of people and program support, allowing for professional development, certification and the recognition that the camping experience requires full time career people, who deserve fair, competitive compensation and working conditions that provide an incentive to remain in this area of service rather than losing good people because of burn out and lack of opportunity.
With imagination, professional competence and necessary financial support, the potential is unlimited as to the types of wholesome experiences and programs that would be possible. These types of experiences should be the norm, rather than the exception in our educational system. This type of serious investment for all our youth allows for the education and development of the whole person and recognizes the great worth and potential of each human being. This in contrast to our current approach of educational delivery, where the emphasis is on programming people to become units of production in a world of consumerism and competition of winners and losers.
Much more must be done in empowering and preparing our young people with the ability and tools to address the issues of environmental stewardship, social inclusion and how we can ensure life will not only be sustained on this planet but how it can also be embraced within a culture of justice, equity, peace and love.
I believe Pope Francis would agree.
As to an addition to a programming item: Anything that adds to the spirit of adventure such as a zip line from well above the top of the climbing wall to the island camp site.
Wilf Borgstede (Owl)
How did You become involved in Camp Encounter?
Growing up in rural Alberta during simpler yet challenging times, connected me to the outdoors in a meaningful way. My understanding of how I should navigate life’s journey is rooted in many of the outdoor experiences, which I have been privileged and continue to enjoy. Many of these experiences have given me an unadulterated sense of joy and continue to be a source of peace and happiness in which I continue to seek out meaning and goodness. I find God in this awesome place called the outdoors, a place of uncluttered, profound complexity, while still embracing an authentic, nurturing and refreshing simplicity.
As a husband, father, grandfather, and science teacher, I believe that the outdoors is the natural classroom for learning. Lessons are learned through meaningful hands on experiences. Imagination is allowed to inspire. Freedom is nurtured by nature’s boundaries rather than the concrete walls of institutional buildings and virtual fantasies of the latest technology.
During the early seventies, outdoor and environmental education was receiving some emphasis in the educational systems across Alberta. Outdoor experiences and camps were popular and some resources were being provided to support this type of experiential learning.
The Edmonton Catholic School System created a position for an Outdoor and Environmental Education Consultant. I applied for the position and was appointed in 1975, a position I held until 1978. Like so many things within formal institutional structures of learning, fads come and go and unfortunately the position I occupied was one of the cosmetic items wiped from the agenda of educational priorities.
During this time, however, a few other colleagues in the school system shared a common vision of providing a permanent facility and place where kids could come and experience the outdoors. It was my dream that Outdoor Education would become integrated within the formal educational system, where Alberta Education and school boards would create and support this type of programming for all students during their formative grade school years. This was obviously a momentary illusion, not grounded in the reality of conventional educational economics and technological priority.
During my time as Outdoor Consultant, however, good committed people saw merit in the cause for a permanent facility, formed a hard working board of directors and continued to pursue the dream outside the formal educational system. Because of this committed voluntary board and dedication of the wonderful, capable and caring staff that the Good Lord has provided over the years and the support by thousands of volunteer donors and helpers, camp has been sustained and will, hopefully continue to grow and flourish.
My story with Camp Edmonton Encounter started during my time as an Outdoor Education and Environmental Consultant with the Edmonton Catholic School System and lasted until 2006, when I left the Camp Encounter Board.
First Memory of Camp:
An assortment of dilapidated old buildings and piles of accumulated junk collected over years of neglect.
Also, working with a sense of purpose and in solidarity with others who shared hope and a common vision of building something worthwhile and good for our young people.
Favourite Camp Activity:
Any activity that had a certain sense of adventure, was physically active and encouraged happy, meaningful participation and relevant learning experiences. An activity that was empowering for the participant and the teacher.
Also, singing the “Jay Bird” song at campfire with camp’s first director, Brent Keiser in lead and in fine voice. “Well a way down the road……..”
Favorite Camp Food:
Camp’s first cook, John Pearson’s chocolate chip cookies, which were always available in cookie jars anytime of the day for everyone.
What tools has camp given you?
A sense of appreciation, gratefulness and an attitude of abundance. I still reflect on the mission statement, name and logo that we created during the early years of camp. It has become my own personal mission statement.
“Encourage Christian Community, deepen Christian Commitment and sensitize through the natural environment, an understanding attitude of respect, reverence and celebration of all life."
Advise to First Time Campers:
Be open and welcoming. Enjoy one another, the camp surroundings, the activities and the opportunity to learn. Welcome the challenges without fear, knowing there are those around you who love you and are there to help you.
Advise to Parents:
The same advise given to campers, within the same spirit of camp but in the context of being a parent.
Advise to Staff:
Your role within the camp community is one of leadership. Wear and live the Camp Encounter spirit, mission and brand with respect and honor. Remember you are part of a loving supportive community. Gain strength and empowerment from the practise, witness and presence of this reality.
If you could buy one thing for camp, no matter the cost, no limits to imagination (or plausibility) what would you buy?
I would provide the necessary resources for staff development of leadership skills in all camp related areas of operation and programming. This would be an ongoing process of people and program support, allowing for professional development, certification and the recognition that the camping experience requires full time career people, who deserve fair, competitive compensation and working conditions that provide an incentive to remain in this area of service rather than losing good people because of burn out and lack of opportunity.
With imagination, professional competence and necessary financial support, the potential is unlimited as to the types of wholesome experiences and programs that would be possible. These types of experiences should be the norm, rather than the exception in our educational system. This type of serious investment for all our youth allows for the education and development of the whole person and recognizes the great worth and potential of each human being. This in contrast to our current approach of educational delivery, where the emphasis is on programming people to become units of production in a world of consumerism and competition of winners and losers.
Much more must be done in empowering and preparing our young people with the ability and tools to address the issues of environmental stewardship, social inclusion and how we can ensure life will not only be sustained on this planet but how it can also be embraced within a culture of justice, equity, peace and love.
I believe Pope Francis would agree.
As to an addition to a programming item: Anything that adds to the spirit of adventure such as a zip line from well above the top of the climbing wall to the island camp site.
Wilf Borgstede (Owl)
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