We’ve got a story to tell
In 1922 the Convention of Baptist Churches of BC appointed a camp committee. Its instructions were quite specific: “to enquire into, and investigate, the desirability of establishing a permanent Baptist Summer conference and camp, the design of which is to furnish, chiefly, a rallying place for young people of our churches and congregations, and to combine in its program, instruction, inspiration, recreation and rest.”
Following those instructions, Keats Camps was established and we held our first camp in the summer of 1926. As a ministry of the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, we have been providing fun and exciting weeks of camp every summer since then.
Keats continues to be a special place and continues to be so for all who visit. Thriving during the summer months, our property comes alive with almost 2000 campers, staff and all of their visiting family & friends. The fun continues year-round with our various rental groups, retreats, work parties and Outdoor Education programs. We believe in mentoring our campers and staff and helping them build a faith in Christ, as well as the self-confidence and abilities that will help them in all walks and stages of life.
Mission
Proclaiming Christ through quality camping opportunities and discipling Christian leaders.
Vision
Anchoring A New Generation For Life
Leadership Team
Jordan has a heart for connecting with people and seeing them flourish.
Jordan first attended Keats as a camper in 1998. He spent almost a decade serving at Keats in the LEAD program and on summer staff in many different capacities.
He has spent the last several years serving in a pastoral role at a church on the North Shore. Prior to that he spent over 10 years playing professional and collegiate hockey across North America and Europe.
Jordan lives in North Vancouver with his wife Elisa, his 2 year-old boy Luca, and his dog Kylo.
Shelby’s role at Keats Camps is the Director of Communication & Administration. She works tirelessly behind the scene to support and assist all of the Keats Camps staff in the many roles that they hold. Registration, communications, finance, fundraising – she has a hand in virtually everything that goes on at Keats Camps– and we’re better because of it.
Shelby has lived all over the world and miraculously ended up at Keats Camps. From living in London to the Okanagan and from working at stadiums around the world to the CBWC, her work experience is as diverse as her hair is curly– very. Shelby has a passion for encourging people in their skills and gifts, training and developing them to grow in who they are.
As Facilities Manager, Randall ensures that the Keats Camps property runs smoothly all year round; whether building new additions on the property, repairing whatever is broken, or any myriad of tasks that come his way, Randalll has his hand in it.
Randall Olson first came to Keats in his early 20s. Having grown up on a farm in Alberta he came to BC for a bit of an adventure, and received more than that. He met Amanda that first summer, got married the following year and then worked at Keats again at the time his daughter was born. Following time in Vernon, where three sons were born, the family of six moved to Alberta so Randall could be closer to be a support for his mom. There, and in Vernon, he operated a small construction company doing residential builds and some other unique projects. He also coached many hockey and soccer teams where he was known for his steady encouragement and joy in working with kids. Moving back to BC in 2014, Randall continued to do residential construction and also worked as a set builder in film.
Randall and Amanda are looking forward to a new time of being at Keats Camp and contributing to the community.
Carolin’s Keats journey started as a staff kid, then camper, summer staff, Board member, and now year-round staff. She is thrilled to be part of the team moving Keats Camps into its 100th year and beyond.
Carolin is developing a short- and long-term strategic plan, working on restoration projects and development.
Carolin met her husband James while working at Keats. They now live in East Vancouver, with their amazing daughters, Audrey and Philippa. When they aren’t working or at school they can be found on the sports field, ski hill or their favourite place on earth, Keats Island.
Cheri’s time at Keats started when she was a Buccie camper. Then she did MTD (leadership program), became a First Mate, and finally the Innkeeper. A guy named Mark came along so she got married – they got engaged at Campfire Rock in 1998 – and started a family, which answered her most important life calling to be a mom. When their fourth and final child was a baby they began spending a week every summer vacationing in the Selman Mission Cottage, which helped to reignite a passion for Keats. Her kids have been campers and her older daughter is regular Summer Staff as well, so you could say Keats has become a family thing.
Keats has always been one of Cheri’s favourite places to be and she’s excited to be in a role where she can help make it your favourite place to be as well. From leading and supporting the Summer Staff, to setting the vision for a theme that campers never forget, Cheri wants to help make Keats a place you never want to age out of. She loves this description of Keats’ mission to communicate the gospel of Jesus in word and in action: those who come to Keats this summer should go away knowing that they have been a part of a community that is something different and infinitely better than what the world has to offer.
Looking to join our year round team?
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