1973 – 2008: Kawkawa History and Beginnings
Since about 1973 when the Vancouver and Fraser Valley Alliance churches bought what was called then the “Grape Vine Resort”, a fishing camp, and re-named it “Kawkawa Camp and Retreat” a Christian Camp and Retreat Centre, many changes have happened on these camp grounds. The property had several already in place cabins and other out-buildings, some of which were used for many years by Kawkawa in its operation. There were 4 cabins on the beach, a single family residence just above the road that runs through the camp and 2 cabins just above the location of the house. The place was a little run down, but its location fronting Kawkawa Lake and just 2 miles from Hope, B.C. was and still is an ideal location for a camp to be developed. The camp has about 360 feet of beach frontage is about 1800 feet long straight back from the lake up the hillside and then is about 1500 feet wide at its widest point at the rear of the property. The camp is 20 acres in size and “L” shaped.
2005 – 2008: The Closure
The 2005 closure of Kawkawa was due to unclear geotechnical and liability issues and has been a huge interruption and discouragement for the staff, volunteers, supporters and campers alike. However, a group of individuals led by God kept up the pursuit for a camping ministry at Kawkawa. A process was begun to reassess the viability and seek the truth about the property conditions. This opportunity came with challenges and the Lord provided a highly experienced geotechnical engineer to help the camp by conducting a site specific investigation and report that revealed the property was indeed safe for public use and a camping ministry. The City of Hope, the CMA Board, and our insurance company have endorsed this new geotechnical information and this has resulted in the restored use of this property as a camp and retreat centre.
The original reason why the camp closed was due to the denial of insurance coverage with regards to a perceived threat of a water debris flow. Although widely rumored, there was never a landslide threat. A full Geotech Report is available upon request from the Camp Office. This treat was and is limited to only certain areas of the camp and not the entire property and under very specific conditions as stated in the geotech report. Recommended rainfall shutdown guidelines are kept and monitored through the camp office.
2008: The Re-Opening
With the strength of the certified geotech report being recognized and endorsed by the Insurance company, Township of Hope, and the CMA — CPD, Kawkawa was able to re-open camp for summer ministry in 2008. Since that time, ongoing and continuous efforts have been made to build, renovate and raise funds with the goal of regaining full-year operations as an organization.
This groundswell of support for Kawkawa has continued to grow, particularly with the addition of a new Executive Director. The supporting constituency has come to include people from other denominations with similar evangelical view points. Incorporating the the camp under society status has allowed this supportive constituency to grow in financial, volunteer and leadership favour. The summer camp numbers have seen considerable growth and off-season rentals have increased as people once again discover Kawkawa is open for ministry.
2010: The Future
In October of 2010 Kawkawa received its first building permit in 25+ years. This has allowed us to construct a new on-site residence for the executive director and his family. This project was funded in part by a significant donation to the camp and has moved ahead unincumbered. This building permit also allows us to begin removing all the temporary buildings and structures that were erected during the building freeze. Things are looking up for Kawkawa!
Over the winter of 2009 and into the spring of 2010 the Dinning room underwent a significant face-lift which included new flooring, cedar trim, gas fireplace, leather couches and floor to ceiling stonework. On October 31 2010 a ground breaking ceremony was held to commence building the new on-site residence. This was the first building permit attained in over 25 years for Kawkawa and it paves the way for future development. Future projects include an outdoor gymnasium, new lodge and re-designed waterfront with new concrete docks. Several significant donations have assisted the efforts to bring the camp back on-line. The phrase “God is not finished with Kawkawa yet” was adopted after speaking with a Christian city council member who had prayed over the camp while it was closed.