Next summer, the dream becomes a reality at Agur Lake Camp.
The camp, nestled in the forested hills 20 kilometres west of Summerland, will be open in 2013 to all special needs applicants and their families from anywhere in B.C.
Although planning for the wilderness camp started in 2004, until recently it was only a dream in the minds of a few - a safe and welcoming place for special needs people and their families to enjoy the outdoors.
Last Sunday, people from all over the Okanagan toured Agur Lake Camp as it celebrated its annual Camp Day. The visitors viewed the two barrier-free, two-bedroom cabins which will be open for campers. They explored the trails around the lake that will be accessible to campers on foot or in wheelchairs. The camp features a portable dock where campers, young and old, can fish or board a boat to get out on the water.
There will also eventually be unserviced parking areas for families with RVs.
Finishing touches are still needed for the cabins to make them user-friendly and fully equipped.
The grounds are close to being fully operational. Safety equipment needs to be in place. The board of the Agur Lake Camp Society is still looking for more volunteer help to complete these final details.
In addition to offering its facilities to campers, the camp will be open to organizations who wish to hold special day events. Two local organizations have already taken advantage of that possibility this summer.
How did this "dream to reality" success story come about? It happened through the dedication of volunteers providing thousands of hours of help as board and committee members, camp development/clean-up working groups, donors of funds and in-kind services and a variety of partnerships.
One partnership involved Agur Lake Camp Society signing a memorandum of understanding with Okanagan College, School District 67 and CM Edwards Construction to build the modular style cabins.
It also formed partnerships with business organizations like the Summerland & District Credit Union which has supported the camp since its beginning in 2004.
Anyone interested in helping finish this dream, as a donor, as a volunteer or as a camper-in-waiting will be welcomed.
Visitors who want to see the camp first hand can call to arrange a tour. Groups who want to use the camp site for events can contact Agur Lake Camp at 250-809-7130 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Information is also available on the ALCS Facebook page and their website at www.agurlakecamp.ca.
