Where it all began.
Way back in January of 2012, Wayne Isaac organized the first meeting of the Central Church Rugged Hands Ministry, and its very first project was a work weekend at Camp Kintail.
That first team consisted of Wayne of course, along with Don & Colin Lahey, Greg Gowing, Scott McHardy, Jack Kook, Terry Clarke, Alejandro Ortiz, Stephen Wilura, Nathan Hurtl, Bruce Jones and Ed Haveman.
Much has changed over 15 years. Camp Kintail has evolved from a summer camp for children to a year-round retreat. Of course those core programs are still a fixture, but there is so much more…and Central’s Rugged Hands Ministry, along with Camp Kintail’s many other supporters, has been there every step of the way.
Fast forward almost 15 years, and we’re still sending a team twice a year. This year, as it has for a number of years, our team was led by Scott McHardy and Ed Haveman. Our fall retreat included Greg Gowing, Lou Vizi and Andrew Campagnoni.
It was a wonderful time of fellowship, great food, and of course, a chance to serve and make a difference.
Friday evening was a time to renew friendships over a wonderful snack prepared by Ed.
Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny, albeit a bit chilly.
After a wonderful breakfast prepared by the camp staff, our morning started at the beach, as we gathered to dig out and put away the lifeguard tower for the year. With that out of the way, we carried the last of the canoes up from the beach, before splitting into two groups. Ed & Greg, cleaned out the gutters and cleaned the decks and pathways around Harmony House, while Scott, Andrew, and Lou filled in the trenching for the new lighting system along the driveway back to “The Nest.”
After a great lunch … the food is always amazing … off we went to “the Maintenance Palace”. There, we constructed two wood shelters in the afternoon.
With our work done, we headed back down to the beach to relax in the Muskoka chair for a bit before heading off for dinner … yet another fantastic meal served up by the Camp cook. They do treat us well there.
Evening was another time of fellowship and storytelling.
Sunday morning, we gathered for breakfast, before settling in to attend church virtually.
This is what a weekend at Kintail looks like.
Next spring, we will again gather at Kintail. The spring retreat will mark our 15th year. It’s been an amazing run, and as well as thanking Johnathon and his team for the welcome they always extend to us, we’d really like to thank everyone who has participated in this ministry over the years.
We’re looking forward to a wonderful anniversary and we hope to see as many of you as possible. So, keep watching the announcements over the next few months. As soon as we have nailed down the details, we will spread the word.
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