The Gambier Island waterfront is one of Camp Artaban's most popular features (Rhianfa Riel photos)

Camp Artaban, the diocese’s youth camp, has had another successful year. Close to 800 campers attended over nine camps during the summer.

Camp Artaban is located on Gambier Island in Howe Sound. It was established in 1923, and has operated every summer (but for one) since them with thousands of youth, children, and adults from the Lower Mainland and elsewhere.

The camp facilities include 16 pan-abode cabins, staff accommodations, dining and recreation halls, and an outdoor chapel in the trees for worship and reflection. Flush toilets were introduced this camping year, to the appreciation of campers and staff alike.

After running deficits for several years, Camp Artaban is currently on a more sound financial footing, thanks to the increased attendance and a commitment made by the Diocesan Synod in 2005 to designate the camp as the diocese’s primary youth outreach ministry, and providing a $50,000 per year grant.