KENOSEE LAKE - The grand opening of the new renovations at the Kenosee Lake Bible Camp took place on June 11.
Renovations added to the existing dining hall extending to the south, with a large open kitchen, a year-round office and larger dining area, plus more bathrooms.
The building was approximately 3,500 square feet, but with the new addition it is around 7,500 square feet.
A bright kitchen houses lots of counter space and plenty of storage space, with a serve-through counter that will accommodate wheelchairs.
Les Williams, the grounds chairman and building committee chairman, said the project began in September 2022. They cut the wall that closed in the dining room and brought in a backhoe to take down the wall.
The project plans began three years earlier with a cost of $1.1 million.
COVID-19 hit and when things opened up the cost of materials had also increased significantly, and now the project would cost $1.8 million.
One Hope Canada is the head of KLBC, and they are not allowed to have a bank loan.
When word about the project got out, donations began to roll in and within a brief period of time they already had over half the funds and the work could begin.
The project was well underway but at Christmas time, the funds started to dwindle, but then funds began to flow once more.
The KLBC began 60 years ago and is still going strong, with 700 kids coming out yearly to enjoy the facility.
Williams said the project is not complete and there is still a great deal of work to be done, but they are happy with the project so far.
The old building needs new windows and flooring. The drywall needed to be replaced in the old building with fire-rated drywall, and outside there is stucco needed, while the 10-foot veranda still needs to be constructed on the west and south side of the building. Cement work is also needed.
They are grateful to the people who have donated with such open hearts, and they feel truly blessed as donations are still being received. The cost of the project has not been completely tabulated yet.
Co-executive director Brad Weber will now have an office to work from year-round, with his wife Allison who is also an executive director.
Weber said a prayer before guests could enjoy the cooked burgers that were offered.
The pool was open, and the pontoon boat was offering rides on the lake. A bouncy castle donated by One church was available for the kids as well, with a climbing wall and a game called rocket ball.
It takes approximately 10 people to run the camp, which is situated on the west side of Kenosee Lake.
The team looks forward to a successful and encouraging year of fellowship with the kids and families that will attend this year and, in the future, enjoy the new facilities.
