2023
Annual General Meeting Report
AGENDA
CBBC AGM April 20, 2024
- Call to Order
- Prayer and Devotion – Jon
- Motion to Approve the Agenda
- Establish Quorum
- Election of Scrutineers
- Approval of 2023 April CBBC AGM Minutes
- Reports
- Nominating Committee | Sarah
- Executive Director | Jon
- Program | Bradon
- Rentals | Cassidy
- Facilities | Keith
- Treasurer | Rudy
- Budget | Jon
- Old Business
- Dining Hall
- New Business
- New Covenant Bay Bible Camp Members
- Elections to the Board – Digital Ballot
- Delegates for the ECCC AGM
- Announce the new 2024 Board members, and a thank you to the departing members.
- Adjournment
Covenant Bay exists to promote a
growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
-ROMANS 11:36
While Romans 11:36 is a very poetic verse, it has left many wondering what it actually means. It is speaking to the sovereignty of God. In the prior verses, the author, Paul, asks his readers a few rhetorical questions? To paraphrase, “Who can give God advice? Who can read God’s mind? Who is God indebted to?”
Covenant Bay is celebrating 95 years, but we must be careful to celebrate well. We must not celebrate as though we have done any favours to God. Instead, we must take the seat of a spectator and worshiper, using our memories to replay his goodness over the last 95 years and our imaginations to dream of what he wants to do in the future!
I invite you to look back and look ahead. Anything good that has or will come about at Covenant Bay has come from him, through him and to him. He is the source, the sustainer, and one who has experienced it in complete fullness. May he be glorified forever.
Praise the Lord; he has worked in the lives of young people for 95 years and allowed us to have a front-row seat to his goodness!
- Jon Drebert
Executive Director
Psalm 107:8-9 NIV
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thristy and fills the hungry with good things.”
As we reflect on the past year at CBBC, it’s evident that our collective efforts, guided by the Lord, have navigated our path toward achieving our goals. A pivotal moment came during our fall retreat, where we set unified goals that Jon has since adeptly implemented. This strategic alignment has strengthened our commitment to the camp’s mission and the enhancement of our governance structure.
Encouragingly, our revnue shows signs of improvement as we approach pre-COVID levels, a testament to Jon, his team, and the Lord’s guidance, supported unwaveringly by our partners. This financial recovery paves the way for further stability and the opportunity to enhance our facilities.
As we embark on this next phase, we recognize the invaluable role our supporters, both new and existing, can play. We invite you to contribute as your heart leads, helping us fulfill the vision God has set before us, enrich more lives, and extend our reach. Every contribution fuels our operations and sows seeds of hope and growth within our faith community.
The camaraderie and trust among the board members are truly encouraging. Our collective discovery of each other’s God-given talents has not only enriched our teamwork but also deepened our commitment to His work. It is an honor to be part of this remarkable team, and I encourage you to prayerfully consider joining. To witness God’s work firsthand is a blessing you simply cannot get enough of.
I reiterate my invitation for church members to engage and pray with us. Your feedback and prayers are crucial, shaping our decisions and strategies. Please reach out to any board member with your thoughts on our direction. Your input is a vital part of our journey, helping CBBC shine as a beacon of faith, fellowship, and growth.
As we look ahead, let us remain united in our purpose, steadfast in our efforts, and open to the grace and blessings this journey brings.
With sincere thanks,
- Stacey McMann
Project and Facility Updates
with Keith Nelson
Much of my time, as Facility Director of Covenant Bay, is spent doing the necessary routine maintenance and upkeep to help ensure that our day to day operations run as smoothly as possible. These tasks include dealing with maintaining cleaning supplies, waste water management, grass and weed management, garbage management and yes…. even unclogging plugged toilets from time to time!
When the routine tasks are all under control, I am able to tackle other jobs/projects. Many of these jobs would fall under the category of ‘preventative maintenance’.
At other times we are able to complete new additions with the goal to further enhance our already wonderful facility.
Special Projects
RENOVATION
Chapel
New decking added to chapel entrance.
RENOVATION
Chapel
Interior maintenance to the chapel entrance (inside).
RENOVATION
Fencing
Volunteer completed work that included redoing the white picket fence at the camp entrance.
NEW
Adventure Camp
Addition of riser seating and defined fire pit at our adventure camp.
NEW
Sandwich Board
Created a portable “Sandwich Board” display to hold camp information and advertising.
RENOVATION
The Barracks (formerly the Speakers Cabin)
Repurposed the old ‘speakers cabin’ into a staff hangout area with donated pool table, air hockey table, and foosball table. Also serves as seasonal office/storage space and has a water sports storae area and bike shop repair area.
Upcoming Plans/Projects
We are always looking for ways and ideas to improve our facility whether it be through additions or renovations. In doing so, we are able to enhance, or even expand, our opportunities to minister to all who visit CBBC.
Plans & Wishlist
- Addition of a storage shed next to the main kitchen for more storage space.
- Additions to Adventure Camp obstacle course.
- Upgrading/winterization of the gymnasium. (Awaiting response from grant application)
- Connection of our waste water tanks to the regional collection line, (Awaiting response from grant application)
- Upgrade furnaces in Washhouse and/or Chapel.
- New chairs/tables for Dining Hall.
Thank you, volunteers!
As always, we would like to give a really big thank you to the many volunteers who come out to help each year! Your care for the camp & campers, along with your Christ-like servant hearts, is a blessing that spreads throughout Covenant Bay & beyond!
Summer Camp Report & Update
with Bradon Pihowich
The Spring and Summer Camp Seasons of 2023 were the smoothest since I assumed this role in April 2020. Summer Camp always presents its share of surprises and anomalies. However, our seasonal staff team consistently stepped up, acknowledged the challenge, and collaborated to find solutions, a testament to their creativity and competence that fills me with immense pride.
Building on the insights from previous years, I want to reiterate the significance of relational-focused programming over specific or one-off activities. Yet, I am confident that we have established a vibrant, unique, and, above all, safe culture where children and staff can flourish. This environment has allowed me to explore new activities, innovative ideas, and enriching experiences.
We have continued to see a slow and steady increase in the years since COVID-19 regarding our Overnight and Day Camp registrations. This pace does not worry me. Suppose we continue to establish a healthy culture and foundation, as we have. In that case, we will be exponentially more prepared for a more significant upward intake of future registrations and bookings.
2023 Camper Numbers
2023
Staff Team
The quality and character of young adults I have had the privilege of leading over the last several years has not gone unnoticed. I am blessed to do ministry beside these bright, caring, hilarious, and honorable individuals.
They inspire me to be a better leader and follower of Christ. I have the most profound gratitude towards the time they commit to camp (regardless of duration) and the heart in which they steward the needs, joys, fears, and questions of each camper they interact with.
Dreams & Schemes
God continues to impress upon my heart the idea of discovery here at Covenant Bay Bible Camp. I hope to create opportunities for exploration, creativity, and genuine inquisition for children and adults to interact with their faith in an unfamiliar way.
I pray that Covenant Bay Bible Camp continues to be a place where everyone is heard, seen, and cared for and that we steward the responsibility of nurturing and mentoring individuals in a way that glorifies God’s goodness and greatness.
I am honored by the opportunities God presents and invites me into each season in ministry. With great anticipation, I await each summer and the lessons, challenges, and triumphs it inevitably holds.
RENTAL PROGRAM UPDATE
For the past few years, we have been working to expand our Rental Program to help sustain and support the ministry at Covenant Bay. This year, we are on track to reach our goal of bringing in $82,000 through rentals.
2023 — $61,357.52
2022 — $42,875.50
2021 — $24,857.86
2020 — $14,482.90
2019 — $86,562.70
2018 — $46,546.00
2017 — $46,870.00
2016 — $35,263.00
2015 — $34,243.60
2014 — $28,152.00
2013 — $18,110.00
2012 — $18,824.40
Partnerships & Connections
Youth Collaborative
The Youth Collaborative has shifted slightly to meet the needs of its members. We continue to see/ experience uncertainty within the youth ministry world.
Collectively, members span a multitude of vocations, time commitments, paid and unpaid, ages, and leadership. My main priority now is to support and encourage these youth leaders in what they are doing and their hopes for the future.
This role will continue to scale and evolve as I (Bradon Pihowich) have agreed to step into the Evangelical Covenant Conference of Canada national/ regional position of Youth Ministry Coach. This opportunity will connect the ministry at Covenant Bay Bible Camp and me with others across Canada who diligently strive to serve God and mentor young people.
Churches
Partnerships with Churches are growing. Covenant Bay has over 50 churches that are connected with us in some manner. They may have campers from their church, help promote our events, rent our facility, are one of 7 member churches or are one of 4 supporting churches.
The more we can partner with like-minded people, the greater the impact it will have on young people.
GROWING AUDIENCES
The efforts put forth in connecting are not just with churches. We have put great effort into communication via social media, email and other mediums. This effort has resulted in growing audiences, increased rental inquiries, and the most camper registrations in the first week ever.
The better we communicate, the more we see a positive response.
Fundraising and Events
with Jon Drebert
This past year, $540,000 was raised and over one million in the last two years. I am deeply grateful for the trust shown by donors and their investment in young people.
We have set a goal of 48 monthly donors by the end of 2024. This would nearly double the number of monthly donors. This predictable income has been extremely helpful in growing Covenant Bay.
95th Anniversary & Fundraising Dinner
Typically on the first Saturday of June is our Annual Fundrasing Dinner. In light of celebrating 95 years of God working in the lives of young people we will be making an entire day of it with lots of fun to be sure. Activities will include
- Wiffle Ball Tournament
- Story Hunt
- Kids Activities
- BBQ Picnic
- Worship Service
- Auction
- Camp Fire
Proceeds raised will go to the Dining Hall project. Get the full schedule and tickets at covenantbay.ca
Dining Hall
We continue to raise funds for the Dining Hall Project. Our efforts to raise the necessary funds to begin construction by 2027 will need to increase.
The current dining hall and kitchen limit the number of people who can be served to around 70.
A new dining hall will allow us to expand our programming and see more children and youth impacted by the gospel message.
Current Dining Hall
CONCEPT IMAGES
DINING HALL CONCEPT TOUR
Thank you sunday
Ministry Partners, thank you for your dedication to the work of Jesus Christ. You impress me, and I am humbled by your heart for God.
Please join us on August 4, 2024 for Thank You Sunday!
We wish to thank God and his many ministry partners for all the good that has come about. A morning worship service will begin at 10:30 am, followed by a barbecue lunch and an afternoon of activities, games and fun!
2023 Financial Statements
Budgeted Income (2024)
Budgeted Expenses (2024)
New Board Members
Board Responsibilities & Open Positions
The job of the board is to lead the organization toward the desired performance and ensure that it occurs. The board’s specific contributions are unique to its trusteeship role and necessary for proper governance.
To perform its job, the board shall:
- Monitor the performance of the organization relative to the achievement of the goals/outcomes within the executive parameters.
- Maintain and constantly improve all ongoing policies of the board in this BPM.
- Select, fairly compensate, nurture, evaluate annually, and, if necessary, terminate the ED, who functions as the board’s sole agent.
- Ensure financial solvency and integrity through policies and behaviour (including help as volunteers in fundraising).
- Require periodic financial and other external audits to ensure compliance with the law and good practices.
- Evaluate and constantly improve our board’s performance as the governing board and set expectations for board members’ involvement as volunteers.
1 Opening
Vice Chair
3 Year Term
1 Opening
Secretary
3 Year Term
1 Opening
Trustee
3 Year Term
1 Opening
Trustee
1 Year Term
Board Nominee
Sarah Kinsey
Where do you live and with whom? Where is your home church?
My husband, Tyson, and my three kids live and farm south east of Wetaskiwin, close to Malmo (our home church).
What experience do you have that would be valuable to serving on the board?
I just finished a three-year term as trustee on the Covenant Bay camp board. I have spent many years attending and working out at the camp, and have also served on the camp board in a couple different positions.
What sparked your interest in serving on the board?
Camp is truly a place that everyone in our family loves. I enjoy watching how God continues to grow and develop the camp, and how He can use this facility and staff to change lives of all who attend (my kids included).
What are your hopes for Covenant Bay?
It has been great to be able to help out however I can, and I would look forward to working with the excellent staff and board members for a few more years.
Board Nominee
Barry Schultz
Where do you live and with whom? Where is your home church?
Marcia and I live SE of Wetaskiwin about ½ way between town and Malmo. We also have a place in Fort Saskatchewan where we live part of the time as I work for a company called International Raw Materials. Our children are grown and out making their way, so besides the dogs, we have the place to ourselves. We attend Malmo Mission Covenant Church.
What experience do you have that would be valuable to serving on the board?
Served on the Deacon Board and Chaired the Malmo church board in the past. Also served on Community boards. Most experience has come from business as we owned a few fertilizer retails in Alberta. Having partners, staff, suppliers, customers, dealing with banks, lawyers and accountants has been a good education.
What sparked your interest in serving on the board?
Long time member at Malmo and supporter of the Camp. Willing to help where I can and happy to serve.
What are your hopes for Covenant Bay?
Hope to contribute to the stewardship of the camp. God continues to work in wonderful ways providing for and guiding the camp. Initial hopes are to listen, learn, and support where able.
Board Nominee
Melissa Shultz
Where do you live and with whom? Where is your home church?
I live outside of Camrose on a fourth generation grain farm with my husband Tyler, and my three boys. Emmett is currently going to Prairie, and Owen and Levi are doing high school online at home this year. We attend Rose City Church in Camrose.
What experience do you have that would be valuable to serving on the board?
I have a background in Education, as a teacher, childrens pastor and in home education. I also am a mom of teenagers who have found their camp home at Covenant Bay as campers, elevates and staff. Their experience in these ways gives me insight. I also have years of experience on camp staff when I myself was a teenager and young adult.
What sparked your interest in serving on the board?
I have been praying about what my ministry involvements look like as my children have grown and our family needs change. As a family we have committed to supporting this camp and my boys are connected here as well. I have wanted to support camp ministry, encourage the staff and be a part of this growing and changing ministry. This camp is such an encouragement to my faith and I want to be a part of its future.
What are your hopes for Covenant Bay?
I think I need to continue to think and pray about this. Camp is so much more than the summer weeks but I am not even sure I know fully all that CBBC does and who all they serve. I’d love to see continued growth in the discipleship of the youth who are so excited to be a part of the summer ministry. The opportunities are endless and they are hungry. I’d love to see continued outreach to the schools and communities for rental possibilities and programming. The potential to reach people for Jesus is exciting!
Board Nominee
Ray Schultz
Where do you live and with whom? Where is your home church?
I am a third-generation grain farmer from Standard Alberta. Married to Brenda. We had 4 kids and that turned into 12 grandkids. I have the privilege to work with 2 sets of our kids and grandkids. The church we attend is the Rosebud Covenant Church. I am a member there and have been on that board for many years but not currently. I am an avid Pickleball player and tennis when I find it.
What experience do you have that would be valuable to serving on the board?
I very much appreciate this camp and all the people I’ve met here. I’ve served on this board for a few terms now and would like to continue for a bit more.
What sparked your interest in serving on the board?
I have appreciated all my involvement in this camp and again it’s been such a pleasure to get to know the people involved here.
What are your hopes for Covenant Bay?
Looking forward to seeing this next building phase of the dining hall completed. I would just like to be involved in any way I can to make this camp everything that it can be for the future to help and facilitate kids and adults coming to follow Jesus.
My final comment is that I’m a Flames fan, but regardless of that, I’m also a fan of my Lord Jesus.
Thank you
to our
2023 Board
| Stacey McMann | | | Chair |
| Completed Year 2 of 3 | ||
| Ray Schultz | | | Vice Chair |
| Completed Year 3 of 3 | ||
| Angela Strand | | | Secretary |
| Completed Year 3 of 3 | ||
| Rudy Frei | | | Treasurer |
| Completed Year 2 of 3 | ||
| Ray Wall | | | Trustee |
| Completed Year 1 of 3 | ||
| Jenneth Barg | | | Trustee |
| Completed Year 1 of 3 | ||
| Sarah Kinsey | | | Trustee |
| Completed Year 3 of 3 | ||
| Katie Richter | | | Trustee |
| Completed Year 2 of 3 | ||
| Ken Yaremko | | | Trustee |
| Completed Year 2 of 3 | ||
Address
15022 Poplar Bay,
Westerose Alberta
T0C 2V0
CONTACT
Box 13, Site 4, RR1
Westerose Alberta
T0C 2V0
Social Media
- @covenantbaybiblecamp
- @covenantbay
- @covenantbay