History of SPCC

Strawberry Point Christian Camp began as a vision in the minds of some members of the Ice Lake Church of Christ back in 1973-74. Of course the name came later. The search was begun for a suitable piece of property. Many parcels were considered but the cost always blocked progress. finally, in the Fall of 1974, Charles Sheppard suggested that a parcel of land on Ice Lake known as Strawberry Point be investigated. The land belonged to the ARDA Branch of the Ontario Government.

ARDA was approached about the possibility of buying it since it was not in use. They advised that they could not sell it at the time and gave the camp a five year lease with a five year renewable clause and first option to buy when and if it could be sold. It was also said that if the land was put to good use, the chances were good for buying it later at the cost price to the government.

In the Summer of 1974, the first three day "mini-session" was conducted for the local young people. The session was held in what is now the girls area. There were sixteen campers for that session, and they lived in three tents. The food was cooked at Sally's across the lake and brought over to the camp where it was eaten off of paper plates with plastic utensils. The trip across the lake was a long one in a sunken boat with a three horse power motor.

In 1975 Strawberry Point Christian Camp became a legal organization. That year three sessions were held: one for 6-9 year olds, one for 10-12 year olds, and one for 13-19 year olds. 1975 also marked the building of a 24'x24' kitchen. The funds to build this kitchen came from a church that had disbanded and were splitting the funds. The first pavilion was also built this year in the clearing on the way to the point but it did not last long when an accumulation of snow built up on it. The volunteer counselors for the three sessions came from the States.

In 1982 the counselors were first paid. This was also the year cabins were built in the boys area. The work on the new ball field below the bluff was started.

In 1984 there were improvements with the ball field finally useable and the camp making use of the Ontario Leadership Training Camp to train better leaders. Because of Bark Lake and what had been learned there, the first counselor training week was held.

In 1985 SPCC was purchased from the Ontario Government for $23,000. In 1988 the old ball field and the bluff caught fire by lightening striking a tree. 60 acres were destroyed by fire. A start was made to put cabins in the girls area, but because of the fire they were not completed until 1989.

In 1990 there were cabins built in the staff area. For her long time service to the camp, Sharron Valli's cabin was built first.

In 1992 the boys area was improved by building five new cabins and changing the location of them.

In 1993, in recognition of their service in starting SPCC and working at the camp, the kitchen was named Gardner Hall by the Board of Directors. Plans for a new recreation bldg. to be built especially for rainy days began forming.

In 1994 the recreation building was built. Most of the funds were given from friends and loved ones in memory of Ken Baker. A new landing dock was put into place.

In 1995 some new cabins were built in the girls area and a new dock in the swim area was put into place. A group of workers came from Heath, Ohio to work in the preparation of opening camp for the year. They built the cabins, cleaned trails, put in the swimming dock, split wood and many other jobs to help prepare for opening session.

In 1997 the Ropes Challenge Course was installed. 2 members of the Board of Directors and 6 other staff members received training and certification in the facilitation of the challenge course.