A New Vision

"Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre is dedicated to helping all people experience spiritual discovery, growth, and renewal. It is a community that nurtures a deeper love of Christ, provides comfort and support, builds leadership, develops meaningful relationships, and practices stewardship of the environment.” Approved September 1, 2009.

Our goal is to be a leader in the Christian Camping and Retreat industry by providing a calm, peaceful, clean, and healthy environment.
In order to accomplish the fundamental objective s of the Vision, the Board of Directors has identified three strategic priorities that need to addressed.
1. Renew and focus the children’s camping program. The Children’s camping program of Gracefield is very important. It has shaped the lives and faith of many children. This priority programming area has the potential to reach more children and have a greater impact on their lives. One important area of impact that Christian camps have had is the development of leaders and we believe that by focusing more in this area, Gracefield has the opportunity to affect greater change and make a greater contribution. Accomplishing this objective can be achieved through renewal of a series of activities including Staff Training, the Leaders-In-Training program, and augmentation of the outdoor education activities. Changes in these areas will improve the delivery of the camping program, the value and relevance of the programming to campers, and the growth of youth in the Christian church.

2. Develop a directed spiritual retreat program. Gracefield has provided many opportunities for churches, congregations, and others to gather as part of the Christian community. In small groups, they have gathered and joined in fellowship—some for renewal, some for growth, and some just for fun. In many cases, Gracefield has provided the context and the support, but the programming has been left up to each individual group. This kind of activity should continue in the future, but it should also be augmented by directed spiritual retreats. These could be silent retreats that encourage stillness, prayer, and reflection. Retreats could also be developed to support families and couples, to enrich marriages, to develop spiritual leaders, and to provide specifically designed programming for seniors. Priority areas of attention should go to: 1. A retreat for seniors to provide an opportunity to savour the splendour of God’s creation demonstrated through the stunning autumn colours. 2. A series of retreats focused on stillness, silence, and prayer. These retreats will nurture the ability to calm our minds, open our hearts, and listen carefully for God’s
voice. This is a new area of focus and we expect that we will draw on the expertise of other spiritual leaders in the development and delivery of this program.
3. Engage and support the onsite tent and trailer community. After meeting with representatives of the tent and trailer community it is clear that there is a deep desire to not only maintain this important ministry, but to see it grow. Crucial to this suitable infrastructure. No less important is the need and the desire to build up the experience of connectedness within this community and with the whole ministry of Gracefield. The Board of Directors of Gracefield Christian Camp and Retreat Centre will engage the onsite tent and trailer community as we work together towards our sheared vision of Gracefield. The first priorities are to: Develop suitable, easily maintained and accessible washrooms and showers facilities for the current onsite tent and trailer community, and for the tent and trailer community we foresee a generation from now. Provide a place for members of the onsite tent and trailer community to gather together for community events and on rainy days. Move the workshop that is currently in the middle of the tent and trailer community to an area that is less disruptive to the program. Identify the best area for new tent and trailer camping sites with the least environmental impact, and begin to develop those sites. Encourage activities that will help the onsite tent and trailer community to experience spiritual discovery, growth, and renewal.