Dear UU and Unicamp communites,
We are deeply grateful for the countless ways that so many of you are supporting Unicamp this season. It is through the dedicated support of numerous volunteers, donors, UU congregation Members and Representatives, campers and staff, that Unicamp can continue to fulfill its mission of providing enriching opportunities for children, youth, and people of all ages, to live out and advance our UU values, in this beautiful natural habitat.
Unicamp welcomed many new and returning campers of all ages this year and there was an amazing and diverse offering of programs and opportunities to grow and nourish and connect. Consider joining us for Thanksgiving weekend or before. Witness the beauty of the fall colours.
Unicamp has faced several serious challenges this year. The recovery from the extensive damage caused by the ice storm in the spring continues. Our insurance will cover the cost of replacing the damaged hydro line and system. Burying the hydro line underground later this fall will reduce vulnerability to future storms. Thank you for the donations toward the uninsured costs (tree damages) and the many volunteers who have assisted with clean-up efforts. We are grateful to our Property Manager, Luc Lepage and Assistant Property Managers, Raven Booth and Galen Crasto for their dedicated work on these demanding tasks. Our gratitude also to the donors who directly funded needed accessibility improvements to the firepit area and replacement of a dorm deck and stairs (with ramp).
A second challenge was the loss of the Canada Summer Jobs grant. The good news is that the government later opened an additional round of funding and Unicamp did receive funds of $27,000, though it was less than half of the previous year of $66,000.
Unicamp management and the Board have been working diligently to reduce operating costs this year to mitigate the significant deficit that would be incurred from these challenges. One significant action was the reduction of staffing hours by about 20% over 2024 levels. We are grateful for the leadership of Mel Horvath-lucid as interim executive director in the spring, to help us navigate and respond as the crises hit. Our sincere thanks also to Lorna Neal, our new Executive Director, Joanna Barrington (Camp Director), Kaitlyn McLay (Assistant Camp Director) and all of the talented Unicamp staff who have worked tirelessly to meet these challenges at the same time as ensuring Unicamp continued to provide enriching programs for children and youth and a safe and welcoming environment for everyone at camp.
We are so grateful to all who have supported Unicamp’s fundraising campaigns this year to help us meet the financial challenges through donations and events such as the Dream Auction and Benefit Concert. The community has generously donated more than $34,000. (This figure will be updated as we are currently tallying funds raised through the various platforms.)
Continuing the work to develop and implement a sustainable financial model for the future is a priority. Previous operating deficits have reduced our reserves, and funds for significant infrastructure renewal will be required. We will need the continued support of the UU and Unicamp communities in the years ahead. We would welcome volunteers with financial, HR, policy, communications, fundraising and other skills in our working groups to support the needs in these areas. Working groups are an interesting and engaging way to support organizational development.
A more complete report will be provided at our Annual Meeting on October 25th where the voting Representatives of our Members (dues paying UU congregations and the Canadian Unitarian Council) will conduct the required business of the organization. All are welcome to attend and can receive a link via an email request. We plan to offer additional opportunities for community discussion and input over the next year. Unicamp is created and sustained through the sharing of the gifts, creativity, and participation of all of you.
Long time Unicampers remind us that Unicamp has overcome a number of crises in the past, and we are confident that together we will do so again. I want to also thank the volunteer directors of the Board for their commitment and leadership during this challenging year.
As Rev. Pat Trudeau (Minister Support to the Unicamp Board), has said, “Unicamp has held us. Now we hold Unicamp.” Thank you all!
In faith,
Dianne Heise (Member of Grand River Unitarian Congregation)
Chair (President), Unicamp Board of Directors
president@unicampofontario.ca
unicampofontario.ca 