Historical Background
The Pacific Coast Children's Mission was founded in 1944 by Alf and Margaret Bayne. They purchased the Goforth, a 36' motor vessel, and ministered to families and children in isolated areas on the coast of British Columbia. The first summer camp was held in 1947 near Terrace, B.C. The need for a permanent base was realized and provided for in October of 1948 when the Baynes moved onto a portion of the present Homewood property. The first camp at Homewood was held the following summer.
Over the years the camp programme has expanded involving more campers and reaching out to more people every year. The Woodsman Camp was started in 1965 on the freshwater Village Bay Lakes. The site was later moved to its present location on Mine Lake. 1979 saw the opening of our new lodge, Rivendell, which ushered in the whole area of year round programming. Since then other buildings have been added including the Bunkhouse, Guest House, uphill and downhill wash houses, the three uphill cabins, Bus Barn, and indoor Riding Arena. Changes have been continually taking place but the most important changes have been in people's lives. The name "Homewood" has replaced Pacific Coast Children's Mission, but legally we remain registered as Pacific Coast Children's Mission.
Mission Statement
To present the love of God and the claims of Christ on an individual's life in an unthreatening atmospherethrough quality programmes and caring relationships, utilizing God's creation.
Doctrinal Statement
- The Scriptures are inspired by God and without error in the original manuscripts. They are the final authority for faith and conduct.
- There is one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man because He was begotten by God and born of the virgin Mary.
- Jesus Christ died for the sins of every person, He was resurrected by the power of God, He ascended to heaven where He is now alive.
- Man was created in the image of God, he sinned thereby incurring both physical and spiritual death which is separation from God.
- Each individual must experience being born again of the Holy Spirit through personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, becoming a child of God.
- God has called Christians to a life of conformity to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- The Holy Spirit dwells in each believer to reproduce in each one the character of Jesus Christ.
- Jesus Christ will return to earth personally and visibly at a time not known to any person.
- There will be a bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust, a state of everlasting blessedness awaits the saved and a state of everlasting punishment for the wicked.
- Jesus Christ commanded His followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every person, baptizing and teaching those who believe.
Philosophy and Objectives
Homewood's philosophy toward Christian camping can be summarized in one simple statement - "ministering to the total person."
In itself, camping is but a means to an end. To the believer, it is an opportunity to enjoy the Creator's handiwork. To those who have not as yet been introduced to the Savior, it is a setting in which we can communicate His love and care for them, using the beauty and experiences around us as a spring board.
Remembering that Jesus Christ placed ministry ahead of programs and institutions, we at Homewood strive to accomplish the following objectives in the lives of our guests:
- To give our guests a satisfying camp experience.
- To justify the confidence parents have placed in us.
- To build into each guest a carry-over value, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
- To provide an opportunity for each guest to clearly understand God's plan of love and salvation.
- To equip the camper to live outside the camp gate.
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