A funny thing happened on the way to Camp – 36C – Westminster Woods FROM TASK FORCE TO COMMISSION

The Task Force became very active.  They came up with ten goals in order to keep the property and develop the ministry at Westminster Woods.   The Westminster Woods program was developed as a satellite of Calvin Crest.  I was still Program Director and responsible for a full summer schedule of programs for all ages at Calvin Crest and for the new programs at Westminster Woods.  Richard was able to stay on the Calvin Crest Board as an Associate Member.  He continued to be the Chairperson of the Westminster Woods Task Force.  

The Westminster Woods Facility was managed by U.C.C.R.  (United Camps and Conferences).  It came into being to manage camps in Northern California which were owned by seven or eight different denominations.  Many camps were not being maintained or used by the churches.  U.C.C.R. became the agency through which churches and other organizations could rent the different facilities.  They were responsible for hiring and firing personnel and managing the Food Service and Maintenance of the Buildings and Grounds.  

The Woods Task Force was exploring the possibility of our taking over the management of the facility.  It was becoming difficult for us to run our programs at The Woods with the U.C.C.R. management group.   We wanted a different pricing strategy for our own camps.   We did not want to be charged for the housing and meals, drinks and snacks for our volunteer counselors and our staff.  We believed we were in partnership with the churches in our camping ministry.   Serving as counselors and staff at camp was an in-service training experience and was an extension of the churches ministry.  Rental groups would provide additional income to help with the finances. 

In 1973 The Presbytery voted for the Westminster Woods Task Force to become a Commission of the Presbytery.  The Commission would be responsible maintaining buildings and grounds, fund raising and development, finances and to develop programs for persons of all ages.   The Commission would be responsible to the Presbytery’s Trustees for any encumbrances that could develop.   The Presbytery elected Richard as the Chair of The Commission.  We were on our way!