Bursting To Build FAQs
What are you doing?
This project involves a complete renovation of the existing lodge building (built in 1981) as well as an addition that will more than double the footprint of the building. The project will include a new gymnasium, relocation of the kitchen and dining room, the addition of sleeping accommodations and meeting rooms/ areas, and the improvement and upgrade of existing facilities. See plans [here].
How are you going to pay for this? How are you going to raise the money for this?
This project will be entirely funded by donations. The total cost is estimated at $4.5 million. Starting in September of 2007 by soliciting three year pledges from friends of SABC. Fundraising will continue until we have raised the entire $4.5 million.
Are you going into debt at all? Will there be a mortgage?
Construction will not begin until 80% of the funds are raised in commitments for each stage. Because we are soliciting 3 year commitments from donors, there will be a level of construction financing required. It is anticipated that the total funds in commitments will be raised prior to the completion of the project, and once the commitments are fulfilled, the building will be debt free.
Can I donate my time or services?
YES! We welcome any and all help at all stages of this exciting building project. If you are interested, you need to call the camp office and let us know when and how long you are available and what kind of expertise or skill you have. The Project Manager will consider any offer to help from prospective supporters and has the sole discretion when making decisions about who will be involved and in what capacity. All people working on this project will be required to sit through a safety meeting as well as bring and wear proper safety gear (i.e. steel toed boots). We will coordinate and communicate with all volunteers about when and how many are needed throughout the duration of the build.
How will this give my child a better experience at camp?
This new facility will provide more opportunities for campers than ever before. A new gymnasium will offer sports such as basketball, volleyball, and floor hockey as well as provide a venue for all camp activities such as gym riots, inflatables, and an indoor climbing wall. Meal times will be much more enjoyable to eat in an acoustically friendly room where there is ample room to move around and where it doesn’t take an extremely long time to get your food. Other improvements include a properly ventilated chapel with room for parents at closing ceremonies and meeting places for relief from inclement weather. See plans [here].
What is the problem with the lodge right now?
The lodge has been an excellent building that has been well used over the 25 years since being built. The lodge was not built to commercial standards which has been an ongoing maintenance concern. Presently, significant work is required that cannot be ignored. (Some examples include: the flooring (including sub floors) in the entire building need to be replaced; there is a mold issue that has developed over time that must be corrected; the bathrooms contain a bad odor that cannot be contained; exterior doors are in need of replacement.) Additionally, there have been concerns with the layout of the building, the location of the kitchen, the size of the dining room, the inadequate size of the gym, and the lack of meeting areas and storage space.
Who is building it?
This project will be managed by SilverRidge Construction of Lethbridge, Alberta. Marv Warkentin will be acting as the on-site Construction Manager. Marv has had over 20 years of experience within the construction industry as former owner of SilverRidge Construction in Lethbridge. SilverRidge is well respected throughout Lethbridge and the surrounding area.
Are people behind this?
The membership approved overwhelmingly to go ahead with this project. There seems to be a real excitement for what is going to happen and people are just waiting to hear what the plan is. At the very beginning, our leadership group pledged over 12% of the project ($600,000). To date, commitments exceed 80% of the project.
How are the commitments coming?
As shown on this [chart], one can see that God has been working in people’s hearts to give to this campaign. Of the total $4.5 million, over $3.5 million has been committed to date. There are many people who have given in such a generous way. Some have asked the question whether the camp has been affected negatively with all of the economic unrest in our world. We have yet to see how it will ultimately affect things here. One donor has deferred his donation over 5 years instead of 3. Other than that, donations and commitments continue to come in. We have encouraged our donors that if their situation does change for whatever reason, to let us know so that we can plan accordingly. We will be monitoring how the commitments come in and make necessary adjustments as a result.
How was the decision made to go ahead with this project?
The board has spent 2 years gathering information from the constituency of SABC. This was presented to the membership of SABC at the Nov 2006 AGM where the go ahead was approved. Over the next year, committees were formed and more information was gathered and presented to the board. In September of 2007 the total for the project was approved at $4.5 million. Initially, we were hoping to begin construction in September of 2008. This was delayed because of the commitment to raise 80% of the project before beginning. This was achieved in the spring of 2009 and construction began in July of 2009.
What are the various development phases?
This is yet to be determined by the architect, but we envision the building to be constructed in 2 stages which will help to lessen the disruption for our ongoing, year round programs. There are critical needs in both stages and the order is significant so that there would be limited disruption to our summer program and winter retreats. For example, there are mold issues in the lodge, but these cannot be repaired until there is a place for staff and guests to sleep, which cannot be completed before the kitchen is relocated, etc.
What will happen to the current lodge?
The current lodge will not be torn down but will be renovated (Stage 2 of the construction process). The majority of the original building will end up being sleeping quarters and meeting rooms. The kitchen, offices, and dining room will be relocated.
How will this affect retreats and summer ministry while in the building phase?
The reason for completing this project in phases is so that the regular operation of the camp would not be disrupted. Camps will run as construction progresses. Areas of the building under construction will be partitioned off and except for the slight irritation and side effects of construction, business will run as usual.
Is this going to take support away from our summer staff?
This is a concern. As the fundraising process progresses, great effort will be made to encourage supporters to give above their normal annual giving to the camp. Additionally, a good amount of the support that comes in for our staff comes from people who are not associated with SABC but have a desire to support their son/nephew/friend as a missionary at camp.
How can I get involved?
- There are many ways to get involved:
- Commit to praying for the camp and this project.
- Commit to giving financially
- Consider volunteering during the construction phase
- Being a voice in your community and communicating with individuals in your circles about what is happening.
How does this project fit into the vision or purpose of Southern Alberta Bible Camp?
The Lodge building is the hub of camp. Any further expansion or development cannot happen before this building is in good condition. This building houses our staff, feeds our guests and campers, and is the base of operations for our administration.
When will it begin and end?
It will be a 1 ½ year build starting in July of 2009
Will this increase costs for the summer camps and for rental groups? If so, by how much?
The registration fees increase at a rate similar to the inflation rate. Rental fees will increase somewhat, but not substantially. The key is that this building will allow for the overall capacity to increase because of the ability to host more that one group at one time.
What happens if all the money isn’t raised in time?
Construction will not begin until 80% of the project is committed. The project will be delayed until this money is raised.
How many people will the new building hold? (E.g. in the gym, dining room, chapel, etc.)
The dining room will be built to feed 300 people (currently it is for 110 people). The gym will be more than double the size of the current gym, enough to allow for two volleyball games to run at the same time. There will be 40 different rooms for sleeping accommodations to hold a maximum of 160 people. These will have the ability to house married couples as well.
How can I contribute to the development fund? (eg. online, mail, visa, cheque, etc.)
We will accept cash, cheque, automatic withdrawal, visa or m/c, donation of securities or stocks and bonds, or in kind gifts. (Please note that credit card transactions incur a fee of 2% of the total amount, however the donor receives a tax receipt for the full amount.)
Will I receive a tax receipt for my contribution?
All cash gifts are receiptable for the year in which they were given. Tax receipts are also issued for stock donations, gifts-in-kind (such as building materials), and gifts of land or property. Please note that tax receipts cannot be issued for services rendered to the camp (such as volunteer labor).
Can my donation be allocated to a specific area or used to purchase specific items for the building?
SABC will not accept any donations with strings attached. We will accept any gift that will go towards the completion of the entire building as presented. We reserve the right to use the funds as decided upon by the committee.
Can I make a donation in memory of a loved one?
Legacy gifts are welcomed. To continue with tradition and to not leave anyone out, we will not name buildings or projects after specific individuals.