Slide 1: Fall 2008
ABOUT THE PRESBYTERY : ABOUT THE PRESBYTERY The Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley (PSL)
is the representation of the Presbyterian Church
USA in central Alabama
Comprised of:
90 congregations
Represents approximately 15,000 members
8,000 households
Includes Anniston, Auburn, Birmingham, Eufaula, Montgomery, Selma, Tuscaloosa and points in between
PSL CAMPING PROGRAMS : PSL CAMPING PROGRAMS Mission:
“Christian camping is an extension
of the church’s program of education.
It is not apart from,
but a part of the church’s educational path
to discover God’s will for the world, community and self.”
Adopted April 19, 1990
PSL CAMPING PROGRAMS : PSL CAMPING PROGRAMS National Report on Presbyterians:
What is the most significant setting for spiritual growth experience
which had the greatest
significance in shaping Christian life?
Setting of spiritual growth experience which had the greatest significance in shaping Christian life: : Setting of spiritual growth experience which had the greatest significance in shaping Christian life:
Setting of spiritual growth experience which had the greatest significance in shaping Christian life: : Setting of spiritual growth experience which had the greatest significance in shaping Christian life:
Setting of spiritual growth experience which had the greatest significance in shaping Christian life: : Setting of spiritual growth experience which had the greatest significance in shaping Christian life:
PSL CAMPING PROGRAMS : PSL CAMPING PROGRAMS Goals of the PSL Camping Program:
Provides a physical place for retreat in a prayerful outdoor environment.
Utilizes the people to guide and lead others.
Offers a quiet place for discovery & strengthen our ability to listen for God’s intentions for our lives.
Make or renew our commitment to God through Jesus Christ and the mission of the church.
HISTORY OF CAMPING IN PSL : HISTORY OF CAMPING IN PSL The Presbyterian camping program:
50+ years of experience developing programs.
Reached thousands of children, youth & adults.
Many participants discovered a call to the pastorate through their camp experiences.
CAMP PROPERTIES : CAMP PROPERTIES Covenant Mountain
Outside Springville
Birmingham Presbytery
Extensive work needed
Suburban sprawl and development
Camp Closed 90’s
Sold 2001
Gulftreat
Panama City Florida –too far
Not adult-friendly
Very Rustic
Sold in 2003
Leased through summer 2007
CAMPING PHILOSOPHY:OUR FUTURE : CAMPING PHILOSOPHY:OUR FUTURE New Camp Requirements:
Provide a premiere facility:
Central place for Presbytery –mission & ministry.
Host church and non-church groups.
Provide experience:
Outdoor space for spiritual retreats –mission & ministry.
Team building, education and other recreational activities.
Develop programs:
Workshops, seminars, retreats –mission & ministry.
Value natural resources and commitment to environmental stewardship.
OUR VISION: OUR FUTURE : OUR VISION: OUR FUTURE “ Out of the believer’s heart will flow rivers of living water.”
OUR VISION: OUR FUTURE : OUR VISION: OUR FUTURE Living River: A Retreat on the Cahaba
In 2001 purchased 440 acres on the Cahaba River.
Central location in the Presbytery.
About 40 miles southwest.
The property is in both Shelby County and Bibb county.
Directly south of Tannehill State Park and 10 Miles northwest of
Montevallo.
Slide 14: Camp Visioning Task Force
Research and Study
Design Team
Ross Kelly Landscape Architects * Gresham Smith and Partners * Davis Architects, Inc. * Shades Valley Forestry * Mark Thomas F/W I, LLC * Walter Schoel Engineering * KREBS and Associates
Master Plan Completed 2002
Updated Fall 2006 OUR VISION: OUR FUTURE
Gateway : Gateway
MASTER PLAN : MASTER PLAN
Slide 17: McQueen Welcome Center
PHASE I - OVERALL SITE : PHASE I - OVERALL SITE Outdoor Chapel- Camp Area
Lookout Area & Chapel
Welcome/Administration Center
Canoe Take-out & Launch
RV Park
Primitive Camping
Picnic Areas
Gym/Dining Hall
Slide 19: RETREAT AREA –PHASE I
Slide 20: YOUTH CAMP -PHASE I
YOUTH CAMP -PHASE I : YOUTH CAMP -PHASE I Camp Bell Tower
6 Youth Cabins
12 Sleeping Areas -each
12 Adult Alcove Sleeping Areas -each
1 Common Area –each
Concrete and Mulch Paths
Pool & Pool Deck
Director’s Cabin
Stunning Views & Porches
YOUTH CAMP - IMPACT : YOUTH CAMP - IMPACT PROGRAMS:
Summer Residential Camps
Weekend Retreats
Environmental Education Camps
Other User Groups
ADULT AREA – PHASE I : ADULT AREA – PHASE I
ADULT AREA – PHASE I : ADULT AREA – PHASE I 2 Adult Lodges with:
11 bedrooms -each
2 Kitchens -each
1 Meeting Room -each
Concrete & Mulch Paths
Stunning Views & Porches
ADULT AREA – IMPACT : ADULT AREA – IMPACT ADULT PROGRAMS:
Committee Planning Meetings
PW Gatherings
Sunday School Retreats
Corporate Groups
OUR VISION: OUR FUTURE : OUR VISION: OUR FUTURE Master Plan Cost
$20,000,000
Phase I Cost
$11,000,000
Business Plan 2004
Re-developed 2006
Slide 27: Marvel
Slab
Removal
OUR VISION: OUR JOURNEY : OUR VISION: OUR JOURNEY Organization
Temporary Living River Board Established fall 2006
Permanent Board Spring 2007
Separate Corporation approved April 2008 application 501 (c) 3
OUR VISION: OUR JOURNEY : OUR VISION: OUR JOURNEY Create a nurturing camp and retreat environment for people of all ages and abilities.
Set a standard of customer satisfaction that will exceed expectations and provide enduring experiences with the faith goals of the camp’s mission.
Develop a sustainable nonprofit that draws on best practices and standards with objective to operate off program revenue.
OUR VISION: OUR FUTURE : OUR VISION: OUR FUTURE Where Are We?
Phase I Project Funds
$ 3,867,300
Includes outright gifts & pledges and restricted reserves
OUR VISION:CHURCH PARTNERSHIP : OUR VISION:CHURCH PARTNERSHIP When will we build Living River?
Second Quarter 2009
Request bids from contractors
Award construction contract
Begin construction
June 1, 2010
Infrastructure completed
Youth camp completed and ready for summer camp
First Quarter 2011
Adult lodges completed and ready for occupancy
THANK YOU : THANK YOU QUESTIONS / COMMENTS Side Bar