Revitalization and Sustainability Plan

Repair and Rebuild

Many of our existing structures at Camp Monahan require attention to ensure their longevity and improve the overall grounds of camp.   Our goal is to choose long lasting maintenance free materials to improve the appearance and reduce maintenance. We want to create an environment that is safe, looks good and lasts for years to come. Since developing this plan we have been busy. Scroll down to see the upgrades that have taken place since 2020.   

Growth and Modernization

It is our goal to grow Camp Monahan by offering support to schools, churches, and youth ministry as well as deepening and building partnerships in the community.  We will do this by modernizing camp programming with a focus on recreation, faith development, Truth and Reconciliation, and land-based education. Creating programming to enhance the education curriculum to support the goals of schools, churches, and youth ministry will provide more opportunities to involve the youth of our community at every level.   

Sustain and Improve

We will continuously monitor and evaluate existing programs and structures to provide progressive and relevant development in these areas. Based on camper and community input. A goal to build year-round facilities and programming to support our community and to help provide a consistent source of income.

Pool - New pumps, new plumbing

Chapel - New floor, repaired foundation, paint

Craft (Rec) Hall - New siding, flooring

New Pump house

Dining Hall Upgrades - New stainless steel counters, stove, cooler, dishwasher, windows, flooring, deck. Replaced plumbing, upgraded bathrooms, foam injection to solidify and lift the foundation.

Inland Upgrades -New flooring, siding, door, windows and deck

CIT Cabin and area - New drywall, flooring, windows, door, siding. New tent platforms and tents

Directors Cabin - New drywall, flooring, siding, deck

The Value of Camp

Camp Monahan has a rich tradition of serving the community and the Archdiocese of Regina since 1945.  We estimate that over 18000 campers, staff and volunteers have experienced our summer camp program.  Camp’s greatest value to our youth is providing opportunities that are unique to our camp experience.  The opportunity to become independent, make new friends, express themselves, and grow in a place where they are accepted for who they are. Our goal is to never turn a camper away; on average 10-15% of our campers receive full or partial sponsorship. Camp reflects the best parts of society by providing stability, comfort, and safety. Campers return year after year to familiar surroundings, staff, and friends. No price can be placed on the benefits camp provides for a child’s physical and mental wellbeing.

 Staff and volunteers learn and benefit as much from camp as the campers.  They learn how to balance confidence and humility, leadership and servitude.  Staff members learn to love and give to the children they serve.  A camp counselor will trade a dry sleeping bag for a wet one so a child stays warm and give them their last sip of water when their own throat burns from the heat.  Service to the community does not end at the gates; our past counselors are your teachers, social workers, priests, supervisors, volunteers, parents, and friends.  They continue to serve for a lifetime to better our communities.

Funding

Our funds are raised through camper fees, fundraising projects and grants, as well as the generosity of many supporters, alumni, parishes and service groups.  Camp Monahan has an annual operating budget of $180,000.  The average Saskatchewan camps budget is $371 000 while serving a similar demographic of campers.  In comparison, Camp Monahan has been underfunded; with camper fees covering 60% of our operating budget, and grants and donations covering the remaining 40%.  In order to keep camp accessible to as many families as possible, raising camper fees is not viable. Camp requires a significant investment of income today to complete the required infrastructure upgrades and to invest in programming. Making these upgrades will ensure the longevity of our current buildings, which in turn will increase rental revenue. Upgrading our programming will draw more youth to our camps and schools to our rental program.

Moving Forward

The catalyst for the Camp Monahan Revitalization Plan was the chapel. In 2019, with crumbling shingles, poor drainage, and a deteriorated foundation, the chapel was in a state of needing immediate repair.  Following this realization, we completed an inspection of our buildings and grounds, and a prioritized list of projects was made.  In 2020 with COVID 19, camp was presented with a whole new set of challenges.  For the first time in 76 years, the shores did not echo with the sounds of laughter and song. This step away from the usual business of the summer season gave us an opportunity to reflect and look at where we are and where we want to be. From here we have identified three areas of focus…