A shift in the tides for Latona

After much discussion and last-minute negotiations, Camp Latona successfully returned as a children's camp on Gambier Island, although not as the Catholic summer camp remembered by so many.

At the end of last summer there were many tears and hugs of joy as 60 volunteers stepped back onto Camp Latona's wharf for the first time in 11 years.

Special to The B.C. Catholic Campers are revved up for some summer fun in the sun at the newly refurbished Camp Latona. The camp is now under new ownership and management and has brand new cabins, but it will retain the Latona spirit experienced by so many in the past.

Some of these former staff and campers, who hadn't seen each other in 20 years, were returning with their own children to begin the process of revitalizing Latona in preparation for opening in the summer of 2008.

"It was an incredible time, as people walked around camp and shared memories of activities, pranks, and events that had happened in each building and area of the camp. One of the most notable and repeated comments was that `I could be heading up to the Lodge for an activity right now. It feels so much like yesterday. It feels so right.' Our family is once again ... complete," said the camp's new owner, Declan Lawlor.

Lawlor is himself a Latona veteran who began his own camping career at Latona, working his way up through camp leader positions and eventually becoming camp director. Now he's the boss.

The once touted Catholic summer camp is no longer operated by the Archdiocese of Vancouver as it was 15 years ago, yet it continues to teach similar Catholic values.

"Spiritual wellness is supported in non-denominational morning and evening reflections which communicate spiritual values and inspiration consistent with Camp Latona's Catholic roots, while ensuring respect for all religious traditions," said Lawlor.

Latona has policies in place to help preserve the spirit of the original Camp Latona.

"We continue today with all the original camp songs and activities including grace at meals and other core items. We are also using the virtues concept, where a virtue such as unity is selected for the day. Campers then get a chance to focus their cabin time on incorporating that virtue into their day and lives," said Lawlor.

To ensure that the original quality of Latona remains the same, each session the camp hires past campers and directors who were familiar with the camp and its ways in years past.

This year Amy Luttrell is the camp codirector. She is an alumni from the time the archdiocese ran the camp.

Mike Van Der Pauw is this year's summer director at Latona. Van Der Pauw is also a high school teacher at Archbishop Carney high school.

"The success of a camping experience is built upon the relationship between a camper and his/her counsellor," said Lawlor.

Ensuring that the camp keeps the physical, emotional, and spiritual well being of campers as a top priority is most important.

"We value our lands and preserve our camp as an ecosystem of natural beauty and we strive to be energy-efficient and green. We are a part of nature, enfolded in the beauty of creation," Lawlor said.

The Lawlor family has asked the Camp Latona Society to become the Stewards of Camp Latona. They will ensure that the spirit and traditions on which it was built remain strong.