Dear Camp OAC Community,
It has been just over 18 months since Camp OAC was heavily damaged in the McDougall Creek Wildfire. Since then, we have also witnessed tragic events unfold in communities such as Jasper and Los Angeles, reminding us of the devastating impact wildfires can have. The loss and heartbreak these disasters bring are immense, but through it all, we have also seen the incredible kindness and generosity of our community.
One of the biggest hurdles in our rebuilding process has been securing the necessary archeological permits. As an Anglican summer camp, we are deeply committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, particularly those that emphasize working in partnership with Indigenous communities. We believe in honoring the land’s history and ensuring that our rebuilding efforts are carried out with integrity, respect, and collaboration. Our commitment to truth and reconciliation is not just about following guidelines—it is about building meaningful relationships and ensuring that Camp OAC’s future reflects these values. While we fully recognize the importance of this process, the delays in obtaining the permit have made it difficult to plan for the future, leaving us without a clear timeline for when rebuilding can begin. This uncertainty has created challenges in moving forward with summer programming.
Last year, when we announced camp dates, hired staff, and opened registrations, we did so with the hope that we could provide a fun and safe camp experience. However, with the archeological challenges still unresolved and no clear timeline for the permit’s approval, we do not feel comfortable moving forward with launching camp dates or hiring staff at this time. As you can imagine, this has been an incredibly frustrating process and we want nothing more than to reopen Camp OAC for our community.
Despite these challenges, we are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support we have received. Community groups have stepped up to help with cleanup efforts, organizations like Mamas for Mamas and the Stewart family have offered fundraising and support, and onsite expertise from Tolko has been instrumental in removing burned trees. Additionally, the RSS Forestry School has helped plant new trees, bringing back the beautiful forest that makes Camp OAC so special. Many more have stepped forward to support the Camp’s rebuilding efforts and we are so grateful for this incredible generosity, we are confident that Camp OAC will return stronger than ever.
While we are not currently in a position to move forward with summer camps, we remain hopeful that we can still offer something for our community. If the necessary permits are secured and infrastructure is in place, we will do everything we can to launch a few weeks of camp later in the summer. In the meantime, we are committed to continuing the rebuilding process and look forward to welcoming everyone back to see the progress that has been made. We continue to work closely with the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO), Westbank First Nation (WFN), and the Province to ensure that Camp OAC is rebuilt as soon as possible. These partnerships are critical in overcoming the challenges ahead, and we remain focused on pushing forward.
Thank you for your patience, your support, and your belief in the future of Camp OAC. We will keep you updated as we navigate this journey together.
With gratitude,
The Camp OAC Team